Republican candidate for governor Andrew Giuliani is spending the holiday weekend in Central New York to learn more about the region.

Giuliani attended a Memorial Day ceremony in the village of Jordan.

He says it is important to focus on the men and women who served the country, including his late grandfather.

Giuliani also spoke briefly about his campaign, saying he wants to focus on reducing crime, increasing school choice, and boosting the state's economy.

"With the right policies we can actually see the state change around," Giuliani said. "Instead of having people and businesses leave to Florida, Texas and Tennessee, we can actually see New York become the center of economic development again in the country."

Giuliani is one of several republicans hoping to challenge Governor Andrew Cuomo next year, including Congressman Lee Zeldin, former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli.