Primary Day: Learn About The Candidates For Governor

NEW YORK, NY — It's midterm election season nationally, but across New York, this is a big year for voters. The electorate will decide on the governor.

Both major parties are holding a primary on June 28.

Let's take a look at the candidates.

First, the incumbent's party, the Democrats:

Kathy Hochul seeks her first full term as the state's chief executive. The former lieutenant governor took over when Andrew Cuomo resigned in scandal in August.

Hochul, a native of Buffalo, has been leading substantially in polls.

She faces challenges from Congressman Tom Suozzi, the former Nassau County Executive, and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, of Brooklyn.

Suozzi, who was mayor of Glen Cove earlier in his career, told "Patch AM" in an April interview:"I'm not going to pander to the left. I'm not going to back down to the right. I'll work with anybody to get the job done."

There are four Republicans vying for the nomination, although recent polls indicate a tight race between Suffolk County Congressman Lee Zeldin and Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani. The junior Giuliani worked in the Donald Trump White House as an advisor.

One-time gubernatorial candidate, Rob Astorino, the former Westchester County Executive, is in the field, along with businessman Harry Wilson, who grew up in Johnstown.

Giuliani, a guest on the June 2 "Patch AM," highlighted the differences between himself and his main opponent.

"Our campaign has been built specifically on the grassroots. Lee got institutional support early from the GOP. He was kind of like the backroom deal in Albany."

Early voting will be held from June 18-26.

Polls are open on Primary Day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.