California Sen. Kamala Harris is no stranger to New York Democrats and some of those connections go back to her time in college. 

Harris is a graduate of Howard University and she is the first alum of a Historically Black College and University to join a national ticket. 

It's a connection that's not lost on Attorney General Letitia James, who like Harris in California, is the first Black woman to serve as attorney general in New York. 

"New Yorkers know the real deal when we see it, and this ticket is the real deal. Senator Kamala Harris is a proven leader with a strong record of fighting for Americans. There is no one I would rather see by Joe's side as we work together to build our country back, better and stronger than ever before. This November, we will make a historic choice when we elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and turn our country around," James said in a statement.

"On a personal note, I am thrilled that a fellow Howard University Law alumna, who was the first Black woman attorney general in the country, will now have the opportunity to help lead this nation."

The Howard connections don't end there. The cousin of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie was Harris's roommate at school. 

"I am ecstatic that @JoeBiden has chosen my good friend and cousin's college roommate ⁦ @KamalaHarris⁩ to be our country's next Vice President! #BidenHarris2020," Heastie posted to Twitter. 

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul called Harris's selection by Biden "truly historic." 

"Senator Harris’ nomination is a monumental step for women’s equality and a testament to the progress we’ve made as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote," Hochul said. "I’m most heartened by what this nomination means for young women across the country who continue to see more women leaders rise to the top levels of government. This is the most important election of our lifetime, and I’m proud to help elect Joe Biden as President and Senator Kamala Harris as the first woman Vice President this November.”

And the New York Democratic Committee also praised the pick. Democratic state Chairman Jay Jacobs called her the "perfect choice." 

"Her prosecutorial experience readies her for the task of making the case for a Biden Presidency and for ending the Trump disaster that the nation has suffered through for more than 3-1/2 years," Jacobs said. "Moreover, her Senate experience has demonstrated that she understands the role of government and that she will bring into a Biden Administration the compassion, decency and competency necessary to 'build America back better.'"