ALBANY - Former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino is once again running for governor.
Astorino, 54, is one of several Republicans eyeing the Executive Mansion in what is expected to be a crowded field of conservatives entering the 2022 race.
The two-time county executive, who has a gig as a paid CNN contributor and has done consulting work for a handful of real estate firms recently, lost to Gov. Cuomo in the 2014 general election and mounted a failed bid for state Senate last year.
However, he thinks New Yorkers are ready for a change in leadership post-COVID and multiple scandals engulf the Cuomo administration.
"In normal years, New York leads the nation in highest taxes, government corruption, worst business climate and losing our people to other states," he said in a statement. "This past year, we've also led the nation in Covid deaths and job loss."
Astorino is now one of three Republicans who have formally entered the race.
Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Suffolk), a staunch supporter of former President Trump, already raised a few million after announcing his own bid last month.
© John MinchilloNew York gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino.
New York gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino. (John Minchillo/)
He has also shored up endorsements from several Republican county leaders across the state and has been dubbed a front-runner by party leaders.
Sheriff Mike Carpinelli of upstate Lewis County announced his candidacy last year, but has gained little traction.
During a meet-and-greet with potential candidates last month, Republican leaders also heard from Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and Andrew Giuliani, the son of Rudy Giuliani. Both have expressed interest in running.
Astorino said he believes he has what it takes to stand out from the pack and take on Cuomo, should the scandal-scarred governor seek a fourth term next year.
"The state is hemorrhaging people, jobs and hope," he said. "Thousands of kids haven't been in a classroom in over a year. You don't just offer a band-aid approach in this scenario. You have to be honest and you have to be bold, and I will be. I've done it before."