Kathryn Garcia Snags Appointment From Gov. Hochul

NEW YORK CITY — The runner-up in New York City's hotly-contested Democratic mayoral primary has a new statewide job.

Kathryn Garcia will be New York's director of state operations, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.

Another New York City public servant — Neysa Alsina — will serve as the state's special advisor on pandemic relief, officials said.

"Kathryn Garcia and Neysa Alsina are tremendously accomplished and dedicated public servants," Hochul said in a statement. "They know how to run effective and professional operations, and they will be instrumental in making our State government work better for New Yorkers and restoring trust in government."

Hochul took the reins from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week after his resignation amid a sexual harassment scandal.

She has since then sought to distance herself from the oft-controversial Cuomo's heavy-handed manner of running the state's government.

The appointment of Garcia would bring in an experienced public servant and one — while a prominent Democrat — who doesn't necessarily carry political baggage.

Garcia had a long tenure in the city's government. She served, among other positions, as the city's sanitation commissioner and "food czar" during the coronavirus pandemic.

Garcia hoped to bring her experience to Gracie Mansion, but ultimately failed to secure the Democratic nomination for mayor, despite a campaign that only garnered momentum and a strong showing against now-nominee Eric Adams.