New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has privately told people that he plans to run for governor next year, according to the New York Times.

The Times cited "three people with direct knowledge of his conversations with fellow Democrats and donors." It also reports that he has "sounded out trusted former aides about their interest in working on a potential campaign" and "has made other overtures to labor leaders about a possible bid." 

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who assumed the post when Gov. Andrew Cuomo stepped down in August, has said she will run for the job. New York City's public advocate Jumaane Williams has also said he's mulling a run.

On the Republican side, early candidates for the gubernatorial primary include Rep. Lee Zeldin, former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, and Andrew Giuliani, the son of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.