Astorino Hopes For Trump’s Support In Governor’s Race

Rob Astorino, who has announced he's running as a Republican candidate for governor, says he'd like to have the backing of Donald Trump.

The Westchester County executive launched his campaign Wednesday with a video announcement posted on his website.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Thursday morning, Astorino said he spoke briefly with Trump Wednesday shortly before he formally announced his candidacy.

Astorino said he and Trump have had a "very good relationship for quite awhile" and he expects that to continue.

Astorino said Trump "wished me luck" and indicated the two would "talk again in the coming days."

Trump has indicated he would consider running for governor if New York Republicans would unite behind him. He's making a few upstate appearances, promising he'd be willing to spend a significant amount of his own money to mount a campaign against Democratic incumbent Andrew Cuomo.

Will Trump actually run? Astorino said the two men didn't talk about that Wednesday. He said "I wouldn't want to take a guess" about what Trump ultimately decides to do. But Astorino said he'd seek Trump's backing and advice if he chooses not to run for governor.