The leading Republican contender for governor has chosen his running mate.

Marc Molinaro has selected Julie Killian, of Rye, to join his ticket as lieutenant governor.

In a prepared statement, Molinaro said, "Julie Killian is a champion for people who have no voice, who are left behind, who are in crisis and she will never back down from the challenges that are facing our state."

Killian recently lost to Shelley Mayer in a special election for the state Senate seat that was vacated when George Latimer became the Westchester County executive.

Republicans will nominate their candidates for statewide elections on Wednesday.