Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed longtime state official Jeffrey Pearlman to become her administration's general counsel and appointed Micah Lasher to serve as her director of policy. 

"As my administration works to deliver results for all New Yorkers, it is crucial we bring on the best and the brightest to solve our state's most pressing challenges and lead the way," Hochul said announcing the appointments. "With the diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience we are adding to our team, we will work with partners at all levels to move our state forward and get the job done for New Yorkers."

Pearlman served as the director of the Authorities Budget Office and had previously served as Hochul's chief of staff and counsel when she was lieutenant governor. Lasher is a former official in Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration and was chief of staff to the state attorney general. 

The appointments for Hochul's administration on the government side come as she was endorsed by five members of the state Assembly in her bid for a full term. 

Meanwhile, Hochul was endorsed by five members in the state Assembly: Steve Stern of Dix Hills, Taylor Darling of Hempstead, Deborah Glick of Manhattan, Donna Lupardo of Endwell and Harry Bronson of Rochester.

“It is an honor to earn the endorsements of these five accomplished members of the New York State Assembly,” Hochul said. “My campaign is focused on unifying our party and our State, and the support of these members coming from different backgrounds and regions demonstrates that we’re succeeding in doing so. I’m looking forward to working with these members of the Assembly to continue delivering results for New York families.”