Hochul nominates Mosley, former Assembly member representing Brooklyn, for secretary of state

May 1—ALBANY — Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul has nominated a new secretary of state, a position that holds responsibility for a wide range of business regulations, grant programs and state agencies in New York.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced she was nominating Walter T. Mosley III, a Brooklyn native and former state Assemblyman, to be the 69th secretary of state. Mosley currently lives in the Albany area.

Mosley, 56, is the president of Mosley Advisory Group, a lobbying venture focused on the medical and recreational cannabis industry. He worked as an assistant to Assembly Democrats for years, before winning election to represent the 57th District in 2013. Mosley left office in 2020 after losing his primary to a progressive challenger.

Mosley's nomination comes just a week ahead of the expected departure of Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez, who is moving to the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York as acting president and CEO pending a Senate confirmation. Rodriguez is taking that position on May 8.

Mosley will also need a Senate confirmation to the role of secretary of state.

As secretary, Mosley will be responsible for a wide array of state initiatives, agencies and regulations. The New York Department of State maintains business records, runs the licensing programs for private investigators, cosmetologists, some financial positions and notaries public. It also regulates cemeteries, statewide building code enforcement and fire prevention standards, manages a number of local grant programs including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and houses the state Athletic Commission, which regulates sports like boxing and wrestling.

The secretary of state also maintains a record of all state and county laws, which are meant to be available for public review at all times.

In a statement, Mosley said he is honored to be nominated.

"My career has been focused on finding ways to make government work for the people, and I am thrilled to take on this pivotal role in state government," he said.

Mosley's nomination has the support of a number of advocacy groups and state officials. Attorney General Letitia A. James lauded him for his history of public service, and outgoing Secretary Rodriguez said he expects Mosley will lead the department with "grace and integrity, and continue to elevate the agency's mission of providing a myriad of diverse opportunities for hard working New Yorkers."

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, the NAACP New York State Conference president, a number of New York City-based Jewish advocacy organizations, faith leaders and the vice president of the Brooklyn Hospital Center also shared statements supporting Mosley's nomination.