ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A veteran state lawmaker seeking the New York Republican Party's nomination for governor says he welcomes a newcomer to the race, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.

The 42-year-old Molinaro announced Monday he's running for governor after initially saying earlier this year that he wasn't interested.

John DeFrancisco, a Syracuse Republican who has served in the state Senate for 25 years, said weeks ago he was seeking the GOP nomination. The Republicans will select at candidate at their state convention in May.

DeFrancisco, one of the most powerful Republicans in the Legislature, says he's looking forward to engaging Molinaro in "spirited debate" until then.

Meanwhile, Cynthia Nixon plans to appear on a nationally syndicated television talk show to discuss her run for New York governor. The Democrat is scheduled to appear on "The Wendy Williams Show" on Wednesday.

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