New York Gov. Kathy Hochul chose Brian A. Benjamin to be her lieutenant governor, sources told The New York Times.   

Benjamin, who is Black, is a Democratic state senator from Harlem and would be the second high-ranking state official.   

The news comes days after Hochul was sworn in as New York’s first female governor following the resignation of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo amid a sexual harassment scandal.   

RELATED: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Announces Resignation

As the senior assistant majority leader in the New York Senate, Benjamin advocated for criminal justice reform, as reported by the Times. He has served two terms in the Senate.   

According to the Times, Benjamin is a graduate of Harvard University and Brown University, worked at Morgan Stanley and was a managing partner at the affordable housing-focused real estate firm Genesis Companies.   

“As a native son of Harlem, this is a good pick for the people of our community, who will now have an even greater voice in the halls of state government,” former assemblyman Keith Wright told the NY Daily News.   

Democratic Senator Jamaal Bailey, who represents The Bronx and Mount Vernon, tweeted his support for Benjamin.   

“All about the Benjamins about to be played on a statewide level! As we reimagine New York, we continue to move forward with the best. Huge congrats to my brother @NYSenBenjamin and his wonderful family on this well-deserved appointment as our new Lieutenant Governor!” Bailey tweeted on Wednesday.