Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, both of whom are exploring gubernatorial bids, are in discussions to form a Republican ticket to challenge Cuomo, a Democrat, in next year’s election. Kolb, R-Canandaigua, and Molinaro revealed their potential plan during a joint interview with The Citizen Monday.
Molinaro has been traveling around the state for months as he considers a run for governor in 2018. Kolb has been exploring a potential gubernatorial campaign since late August.
The two men have been friends since serving in the state Assembly together. Before Molinaro was elected Dutchess County executive, he was a state assemblyman from 2007 through 2011. Kolb has served in the Assembly since 2000, including the last eight years as the chamber’s minority leader.