After Gov. Cuomo’s resignation, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul has to be ready to lead the state.

Westchester state Sen. Pete Harckham says he's ready for the new leadership in New York.

"She is much more in touch with people. The governor had a much more aloof executive style and Kathy walks into a room and welcomes everyone," he says.

She's had a lot of practice in her seven years as lieutenant governor, famously traveling to all 62 New York counties at least once a year.

"She knows the players, she knows how the Legislature works, she probably knows every lawmaker by name so she's in a better position than anyone to lead off where Cuomo is ending," says former state Sen. David Carlucci.

But can she hold the very diverse Democratic coalition together and work hard to lead the state through a resurgent COVID-19 pandemic?

One of the first decisions Hochul will have to make is who she will appoint to take her place as lieutenant governor.

She is reportedly looking at someone from downstate to round out the ticket.

She is scheduled to have her first press conference at 2 p.m. Wednesday in New York City.