In-Depth: Gov.Hochul responds to Attorney General James entering race

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC)— While the run for governor of New York is not on this year’s ballot, News10NBC is taking you In-Depth with a look at next year’s race.

All the talk now is about Attorney General Letitia James joining the race to take on current Governor Kathy Hochul. With a power base in New York City, she is poised to be a top threat to Hochul.

The governor was asked how James launching a campaign changes her strategy.

"I am not going to focus, or comment on anybody that wants to run," Hochul said. "I’m not even sure if the field is clear, and as I said over the weekend, I can handle this, bring it on."

A recent Siena College poll shows in a potential five-way race of candidates, Hochul leads with 31%, and James with 14%. If James wins, she could become the first black woman to serve as governor in United States history.