Former Buffalo mayoral candidate and political activist India Walton on Monday endorsed Jumaane Williams for governor of New York in his progressive bid for the Democratic nomination. 

Williams won the backing of Walton following her upset victory in the Democratic primary in June over incumbent Mayor Byron Brown. She lost the general election in November to Brown, who staged a write-in campaign. 

Despite the loss, Walton garnered national attention from the progressive wing of the party during her campaign. 

"I am proud to announce my support for Jumaane Williams in his race for governor. I regard Jumaane as the quintessential movement candidate — always with the people, on the picket line, at the union hall, in the streets," Walton said. "No matter the fight, you can depend on Jumaane to be on the side of the oppressed, the forgotten, the marginalized, the excluded. He has been a champion for everyday working class New Yorkers in every position he has held, and I know that he has exactly the energy and values we need in Albany to ensure that, when we finally emerge from this pandemic, we are not ‘returning to normal,’ but forging a new normal — one that works for all of us, not just the wealthy elite."

Williams is challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul for the Democratic nomination, a race that has also drawn Attorney General Letitia James and Rep. Tom Suozzi. 

"India Walton inspired a movement in Buffalo and across the state – her campaign showed how progressive, community-centered politics can excite Democrats and mobilize a movement. She is dedicated to Buffalo, has a passion for improving the lives of Buffalonians, and I’m excited to work with her to deliver transformational change that serves the people of New York, not the status quo," Williams said. "True leadership demands bold vision, and calls us to prioritize political courage, not political convenience– I believe we need that kind of leadership from Buffalo to Brooklyn."

Hochul, meanwhile, was endorsed by the three mayors in the Capital Region: Albany's Kathy Sheehan, Schenectady's Gary McCarthy and Troy's Patrick Madden. She was also endorsed by incoming Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim and multiple former mayors. 

“It is an honor to receive endorsements from this distinguished group of leaders from our Capital Region who exemplify good government and what it means to stand up for community values,” Hochul said. “In my time as governor, I have taken great pride in working collaboratively with local officials to move our state in a new direction and deliver results. While we’ve made great strides, I look forward to building on our progress to create a brighter, safer, and more prosperous future for every New Yorker.”