Gov. Andrew Cuomo today announced his endorsement for the Democratic challenger in the race for Nassau County executive.

Tom Suozzi picked up the major endorsement at a rally attended by the governor in Albertson this afternoon.

"It means so much to me personally that he is here today to not only endorse me, but all of the Democrats that are here," Suozzi said. "This man is one of the greatest leaders in the country today."

Suozzi, who served as executive before current Executive Ed Mangano beat him by a slim margin four years ago, has recently received backing from Newsday, the New York Times and former President Bill Clinton.



Mangano's office responded to the governor's endorsement, saying, "With Andrew Cuomo endorsing every Democrat candidate in the state, it is clearly based on party line rather than accomplishments. County Executive Mangano enjoys a productive governmental relationship with Gov. Cuomo and he expects that to continue over the next four years."

Election Day is Nov. 5.