U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi's gubernatorial campaign on Wednesday kicked off the petition drive to get his name placed on the Democratic primary ballot for governor this June. 

The challenge is a daunting one: Suozzi, along with his preferred candidate for lieutenant governor, former Councilwoman Diana Reyna, each need at minimum 15,000 signatures of registered voters from half of the state's House districts. But given the likelihood these signatures will be challenged, the general rule of thumb has been to gather three times that amount. 

Suozzi, a Long Island congressman, launched the petition drive alongside Reyna and his campaign chairman, former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, as well as 1,000 supporters, according to his campaign. 

“The enthusiasm and excitement from so many supporters at our rally gives me so much confidence in our campaign,” Suozzi said. "I am so motivated by not only the number of supporters who came out, but also how diverse they were. They looked like New York."

Suozzi is challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul for the Democratic endorsement as well as New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. Suozzi last month declined to put his name into nomination at the state Democratic convention, where delegates overwhelmingly backed Hochul's bid as the party's preferred nominee. 

The petition process will run through most of this month. Suozzi told reporters in February his campaign will be using a mix of paid stafffers as well as volunteers to help gather signatures.