Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi announces bid for New York governor

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) announced Monday he will run for governor of New York in 2022.

Why it matters via Axios' Alayna Treene: Suozzi’s announcement makes him the 18th House Democrat to announce he will not seek re-election. It comes as Democrats are increasingly concerned about their prospects of keeping the House majority in the 2022 midterm elections. 

• Suozzi is also a key House Democratic centrist who’s been a lead player in ensuring the state and local tax deduction — a top priority for a number of Democrats in blue coastal states — is reinstated in Biden’s Build Back Better package.

What he's saying: "I'm running for governor of New York state. I feel great about it and my family feels great about it," Suozzi said Monday.

• "I have the background and proven ability to do this job," he added.

The big picture: His candidacy broadens the field of Democratic candidates challenging incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul, who assumed the position after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned amid an investigation into sexual harassment accusations.

• New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) last month announced her candidacy.
• For the Republican nomination, Andrew Giuliani — son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani — and Rep. Lee Zeldin have announced their candidacies.

Go deeper: Democratic retirements spark worry over holding House majority