In nine state elections over 40 years, the name Cuomo was on the ballot for New York voters.

But this year will be different as Gov. Kathy Hochul seeks to consolidate the New York political power structure Andrew Cuomo once dominated for a decade. 

And it is starting in earnest this week at the state Democratic convention in New York City, where Hochul is expected to receive the support of a majority of the delegates gathered there in midtown Manhattan. 

For her supporters, like Erie County Democratic Chairman Jeremy Zellner, Hochul's ascension to the governor's office was the right timing. 

"We obviously had a crisis in confidence in state government when she took over and another scandal," he said. "So I think it's her job to show the state of New York that government can work for them and is working for them since she took over." 

It's been established since her swearing in last August that Hochul has a far different style from Cuomo, who resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct.

Hochul is more willing to work with others in the party and in government, Zellner said. 

"That wasn't the case when Gov. Cuomo was in office," he said. "It was a do-things-my-way type of thing. Kathy Hochul is a roll-up-your-sleeves, get the job done, work with partners, build coalitions type person."

State Democratic Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs puts it this way: "The starting point for Kathy Hochul is she happens to be a very nice person."

Hochul has received the lion's share of endorsements heading into the party convention this week amid a primary challenge from New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi. Many of them are former backers of Cuomo's over the last decade.

That includes Jacobs, who had urged Cuomo to resign in August as the then-governor's support melted away. 

"She sets the right tone at the right time, and not for nothing, I think it's pretty exciting we have the first female governor right here in Kathy Hochul," he said. 

It was no easy task to do so, though the power of incumbency for a New York governor is potent. Hochul has the upper hand in the state budget process, and in January, submitted a $216 billion spending plan that has largely proven uncontroversial with her fellow Democrats in the state Legislature. 

The Democratic Party's firmament in the state — labor unions, advocacy organizations, elected officials — have largely endorsed Hochul's bid for a full term. 

"Anytime you have a new governor, it's going to bring a lot of excitement and a lot of new opportunities," Jacobs said. "Look, in Kathy Hochul you have someone who has been in government and has tremendous experience over the years."

Cuomo himself, meanwhile, is not expected to attend the convention this week amid rumors that he might appear. A spokesman says Cuomo has no plans to run for office, and instead has over the last several weeks focused on repairing a reputation damaged by scandal. 

Cuomo has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.