Former New York Governor George Pataki entered the race for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, positioning himself as a Washington outsider and moderate who won three terms in a heavily Democratic state.
Pataki, 69, enters a crowded field that includes a number of staunch conservatives who hope to attract the support from the Republican base of presidential primary voters.
In his announcement, Pataki appeared to eye a different audience, reflecting his appeal to Democratic “blue” voters.
“I was a Republican governor in a very deep blue state, the state of New York,” he said in a video titled “Pataki for President,” posted on his website.
Pataki served as governor from 1995 to 2006 and has flirted with running for U.S. Senate or the presidency in past years. He stressed the importance of unifying the country, recalling how Americans worked together to overcome the trauma of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
His long-shot bid could bring a moderate voice to the Republican field that includes conservative favorites U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.
