Rudy Giuliani's Son Banks On Donald Trump Clout In Possible Run For New York Governor

Rudy Giuliani’s son is mulling a gubernatorial bid in New York, betting his proximity to Donald Trump can shield him through a crowded primary. Andrew Giuliani said in an interview with CNN that he’ll meet with Trump next week, although he’s not banking on a full endorsement quite yet.

"From a self-interest standpoint, I want the President to be as involved as he wants to be, but I would still advise him to keep his powder dry and not make a decision on who to support until we get to the fall or next winter," he said.

Andrew Giuliani has already spoken with Trump three times since his plans were announced. Trump no longer lives in New York, and mostly stays at his Florida resort Mar-a-Lago.

"I will be down there next week for a two to three-day swing where we'll be meeting with donors, interviewing potential staff and speaking to the former president," Andrew Giuliani said.

The 35-year-old served as an aide under Trump, and hopes to fill the ranks of his campaign with connections he made while working in the White House. Rudy Giuliani, who served as Trump's personal lawyer, was New York City's mayor from 1994 to 2001.

"My time working in the Office of the Public Liaison helped me see how business leaders reacted to working through public policy, so I'm looking at a lot of different people from the world of finance along with some trusted people I know from the Trump White House," Andrew Giuliani said.

Andrew Giuliani isn’t alone in seeking Trump’s blessing. Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., is another close Trump associate and managed to raise $1 million in just his first 24 hours of fundraising. Trump met with Zeldin when his campaign was announced in April, and could pull Trump’s eventual endorsement from Andrew Giuliani.

Trump’s blessing could be decisive considering his commanding popularity within the GOP and the crowded field looking to challenge scandal-ridden Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat who took office in 2011. Andrew Giuliani’s campaign would be the fourth officially declared.

The Republican nominee likely faces an uphill battle to win in November 2022. Democrats have won every New York gubernatorial race since 2002 and by a wide margin.