Cynthia Nixon for New York governor? 'Sex and the City' star exploring it

ALBANY - Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon continues to explore a run for New York governor this year.

Nixon has been weighing a Democratic primary run against Gov. Andrew Cuomo in September, and a report Tuesday suggested that she was laying the groundwork for a run.

But a spokeswoman would only say Nixon, who has been active in New York politics for years, continues to explore the possibility.

"Many concerned New Yorkers have been encouraging Cynthia to run for office, and as she has said previously, she will continue to explore it," said Rebecca Sides Capellan, Nixon's spokeswoman.

"If and when such a decision is made, Cynthia will be sure to make her plans public."

More:Cynthia Nixon responds to talk of NY governor run, blasts Andrew Cuomo

Cuomo says whom he wants as his running mate

Live From Albany: I Love NY signs, Cuomo's challengers and more

Nixon is one of at least three Democrats considering a challenge against Cuomo, who is seeking a third term in November and is a potential 2020 presidential candidate.

Former Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner is contemplating a primary challenge to the Democratic governor, while former Hudson Valley Sen. Terry Gipson already launched one.

NY1 reported Tuesday that Nixon was poised to jump into the race, saying she was assembling a staff that includes former advisers to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who is a Cuomo political foe.

But several progressive groups working to find a candidate to challenge Cuomo said Tuesday that they were unaware of any looming decision by Nixon.

"We’re hoping that somebody comes forward, and we’re hoping that either Stephanie or Cynthia Nixon run, but neither one has indicated to us that they are near a decision,"  Arthur Schwartz, an organizer for the New York Progressive Action Network.

Last August, Nixon said on the Today show that, "There are a lot of people who would like me to run. And I think for a variety of reasons, but I think the No. 1 is education."

She went on to knock Cuomo's record on school aid, saying education funding is something "parents all across New York state talk to me about."

Cuomo's office countered at the time that the governor has provided record aid to schools since taking office in 2011.

On Tuesday, Cuomo sounded unmoved by Nixon's potential candidacy.

"On people who may or not run for governor on both sides of the aisle, we'll deal with that as it progresses," he told reporters.

JSpector@Gannett.com

Joseph Spector is chief of USA TODAY Network's Albany Bureau.