State Sen. Shelley Mayer announced first on News 12 that she is joining the race to replace New York's Attorney General Letitia James, who is running for governor.

The Yonkers Democrat broke the news to Tara Rosenblum.

Mayer's candidacy is a high-profile entry into what will likely shape up to the be one of the most competitive Democratic primaries in decades.

Other Democrats rumored to be eyeing the seat include the district attorneys in Brooklyn and Queens, state Sen. Michael Gianaris, attorney Zephyr Teachout and Rep. Kathleen Rice from Long Island.

Despite the already crowded field, political observers tell News 12 that Mayer will likely emerge as an early frontrunner.

The Yonkers Democrat has represented the 37th Senate District since 2018 and chairs the powerful Education Committee.

Before joining the Senate, Mayer spent four years in the state Assembly and 12 years in senior leadership roles in the New York Attorney General's Office.

With so many possible contenders, suburban counties like Westchester and Nassau are likely to play a pivotal role in deciding the winners of next year's statewide races - and that's the type of political math that could give Mayer an advantage.