Democratic Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins on Monday endorsed Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin's bid for a full term on Monday amid an expected primary challenge this June. 

Benjamin, a former state senator from Manhattan, was appointed to the position last year by Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

“I’m thrilled at the chance to further my partnership with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and continue to build a state where all New Yorkers see themselves represented and supported,” Benjamin said. “Andrea and I have worked hard to bring real, meaningful change to neighborhoods across New York State and we’re ready to keep that progress going.” 

Benjamin is expected to be challenged for the Democratic nomination by former City Councilwoman Diana Reyna, the preferred lieutenant governor candidate of U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, and progressive activist Ana María Archila, who is running with New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. 

Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run separately during the primary and the winners join a formal ticket for the general election. 

“I am proud to endorse my friend, Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin, for reelection so that we may continue to build on our progress and best serve the people of New York,” Stewart-Cousins said. “The son of immigrants and the first Caribbean-American to hold statewide office in New York, Brian entered this historic role when our state needed assurance, and he's delivered. He rose to the occasion with the same temperance, devotion, and work ethic that I saw from his time in the State Senate, and I know he's just getting started.”