Tri-state democrats back Harris, with a few notable holdouts

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Vice President Kamala Harris quickly racked up support in the Tri-State area as she seeks to officially become the Democratic nominee for President.

She earned the endorsement of nearly every local elected official since President Joe Biden said he would step aside Sunday.

But there were two notable exceptions-- for now.

"Consider the following: A prosecutor versus a convicted felon," said New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul with a grin.

Hochul promised will use her considerable influence to steer Democratic nominating votes in the direction of Vice President Kamala Harris at the DNC in Chicago.

A similar pledge was made by NJ Governor Phil Murphy.

"Whatever she needs us to do, politics, money, picking up lunch, we'll do whatever it takes," He said.

Most Democrats in both the House of Representatives and Senate are falling in line. However there are two high profile exceptions.

Brooklyn's Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader said he and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, also of New York, want to meet with Ms. Harris and their respective delegations first. Still Jeffries teased a likely outcome.

"Vice President Harris has excited the community," Jeffries said. "She's excited the House Democratic Caucus, and she is exciting the county."

The stakes are high for Jeffries, who hopes to become Speaker in the next Congress. Many of his Democratic collogues and nominees face tough races in the Hudson Valley and out on Long Island.

New York Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs said the switch to Harris likely helps.

"I think Democratic voters are going be be excited by Kamala Harris," Jacobs said. "They're going to be excited in the suburbs."