Fordham Law Professor Zephyr Teachout Launches Primary Challenge Against Cuomo

A Fordham law professor has launched a petition drive to challenge Democratic incumbent Gov. Andrew Cuomo to a primary.

Zephyr Teachout launched her effort earlier this month, according to the New York Post, and she is seeking support from groups and voters to the left, or more liberal side, of Cuomo.

Her task to unseat New York's current governor will be a formidable one. The popular Cuomo has solid approval ratings and a large lead over Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino, who is Westchester's county executive, according to News 12 Westchester. Teachout also tried unsuccessfully to obtain the endorsement of the Working Families Party, Capital New York reported.

Additionally, she'll need 15,000 valid signatures from registered Democrats throughout the state, according to The Daily Gazette, a feat that will not be easy accomplish.

But if her Fordham bio is any indication, she may be able to rise to the petition challenge. Teachout has obtained degrees from Yale University, Duke Graduate School and Duke Law School.

"An immensely talented and creative scholar, Professor Teachout brings a rich background in laws governing political behavior, both domestically and abroad, as well as the insights of her original work on corruption and its constitutional history," states her bio on the Fordham website.