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Cynthia Nixon brings campaign for governor to Western New York

Posted at 7:03 PM, Apr 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-25 19:03:22-04

For the first time since challenging New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on the Democratic ticket in this year’s gubernatorial election, activist and actress Cynthia Nixon visited Buffalo, Wednesday.

Nixon met with community leaders and local residents to discuss economic development at The 9th Ward at Babeville.

A new face in politics for many Western New Yorkers, Nixon said that shouldn’t hurt her in the race for the Democratic nomination.

"The things that I'm running for, the things that I want to do as governor are things that everybody in every part of the state wants, regardless of their political party,” Nixon said after the round table event.

But, how will Nixon fare when it comes to energizing WNY voters and gathering support in a region that doesn’t know her all that well?

"I think she has to continue doing these kinds of meetings because we really had regular folks from this community who really shared with her what their concerns are,” Ellen Kennedy, who was invited to meet with Nixon on Wednesday, said.

Kennedy votes with the Working Families party and supports Nixon for her progressive stance on different issues.

"I do believe it's important at this time that we bring somebody new in who is going to fight for these things,” she said.

A recent survey from Siena College shows a 31-point lead for Cuomo among Democratic voters. But, that polling, compared to a month ago, shows Nixon is slowly shrinking the gap between the candidates.

Governor Cuomo’s reelection campaign released the following statement in response to Nixon’s visit:

“After decades of neglect from Albany, the governor fundamentally transformed the state’s approach to driving growth in Western New York and investing in Buffalo’s economic success. The results are both real and tangible – unemployment has rapidly declined, wages are growing, Western New York is home to more than half a million jobs, and more millennials than ever before – a 14 percent increase since 2010 – are calling Buffalo home. We’re proud of the progress achieved and will continue to build on this record of results.”

The Erie County Democratic Party criticized Nixon’s visit with the following statement:

“Buffalo has come a long way in a few short years. Since day one of his administration, Governor Cuomo has shown a deep dedication to turning around the Queen City and all of Western New York’s success. It’s unprecedented for a gubernatorial candidate not to set food in Western New York this far into their campaign.  Buffalo is the second largest city in New York with diverse needs and challenges. It’s taken Cynthia Nixon 38 days to take even a cursory look at what those are.  Western New York is finally receiving the attention it deserves from Albany. We aren’t interested in political talking points from candidates who don’t understand the needs of Upstate New York – only real results and action.”

Nixon is a political activist and is well known for her time spent on the popular television show Sex in the City.

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