New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has nominated former state Assemblyman Walter Mosley to serve as the next secretary of state, the governor announced Wednesday.

Mosley would replace Robert Rodriguez, who is leaving the office on May 8 to begin a new role as acting president and chief executive officer of the state Dormitory Authority.

“I am deeply honored to be chosen by Governor Hochul to serve as Secretary of State. My career has been focused on finding ways to make government work for the people, and I am thrilled to take on this pivotal role in state government," Mosley said in a statement.

Mosley represented parts of Brooklyn in the Assembly from 2013 to 2020. While in the Legislature, he was a member of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus (BPHA), the Hispanic Task Force, and the Jewish Caucus. 

He also served as co-chair of BPHA’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Task Force on Cannabis.

Mosley narrowly lost the Democratic primary for his seat in 2020 to Phara Souffrant Forrest.

Beyond the Legislature, Mosley has also served as a legislative analyst and oversight investigator for the New York City Council.

“The Department of State plays a critical role implementing a broad array of government services, from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative to the Office for New Americans,” Hochul said in a statement. “Walter Mosley’s public service in the New York State Assembly and his years of leadership in his community have given him the skills and experience necessary to lead this Department into the future.”

Outgoing Secretary Rodriguez applauded Mosley's nomination and said he "will lead the Department of State with grace and integrity and continue to elevate the agency’s mission of providing a myriad of diverse opportunities for hard working New Yorkers.”

Mosley will need to be confirmed by the state Senate.