Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, so far, has two broad categories in mind for selecting her own number two in her incoming administration: She wants to highlight New York's diversity and she wants someone from New York City.
That leaves a pretty big swath of New York's political world for Hochul to appoint a lieutenant governor, someone who would likely run on a ticket with her when she seeks a full term next year.
The job of LG is, in large part, a ceremonial one. But like the vice president, it's only as powerful as the chief executive wants it to be. And Hochul knows better than anyone since David Paterson the limitations of the office.
Here are some potential choices for Hochul:
State Sen. Jamaal Bailey: He's an ally of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and the Bronx Democratic Committee chairman. Bailey has been an influential lawmaker on issues like criminal justice law reform. He would shore up support for Hochul in a vital borough of New York City for any Democrat running statewide.
State Sen. Brian Benjamin: A Democrat from Manhattan who unsuccessfully ran for New York City comptroller, Benjamin represents Harlem in the state Senate. First elected in 2017, Benjamin has also focused on criminal justice issues like ending cash bail and prison reforms.
State Sen. Jessica Ramos: A Queens Democrat and an outspoken progressive, Ramos has often been viewed as a potential candidate for statewide office one day, including governor. Selecting Ramos would potentially remove her from a primary (a lieutenant governor running against a sitting governor in a primary is not unheard of, just ask George Pataki) and help her shore up support among Latino and Hispanic voters who may be skeptical of Hochul's previous stances on undocumented immigrants.
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams: He ran against Hochul in 2018 in a Democratic primary for lieutenant governor and his pick would certainly be a "team of rivals" approach to government. Williams, like Ramos, has strong ties to progressive Democrats and has been considered a potential candidate for govenror in 2022.
Kathryn Garcia: The former New York City sanitation commissioner was a runner-up in the Democratic mayoral primary. Garcia's selection would signal a focus on governing, but could also alienate Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president who is the odds-on favorite to become mayor next year.
It's possible, too, Hochul would pick someone from outside of elected office. New York City politics in particular is stocked with prominent people who hold influence with vital groups of voters. Either way, she will need someone who can help her raise her profile, especially among New York City interest groups and voters who will be vital for her when she seeks a full term next year.