U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said Gov. Andrew Cuomo is a friend and has made major progress on key progressive issues to earn her support. | Alex Wong/Getty Images Gillibrand endorses Cuomo for governor

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is endorsing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo over challenger Cynthia Nixon, the New York Democrat said in an interview Tuesday. And she hinted that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will join her in supporting the incumbent.

Gillibrand said that Cuomo is a friend and has made major progress on key progressive issues to earn her support. Nixon, an actress best known for her role on "Sex and the City," entered the race against Cuomo on Monday as a left-leaning critic.


"Gov. Cuomo and I are friends. But he also has done some amazing things for New York, such as passing paid leave in our state, passing marriage equality and working to end sexual violence on our college campuses," Gillibrand said.

Asked what Schumer will do in the race, she replied: "You'll have to ask him. I'm sure he'll do the same."