A victory by Gov. Andrew Cuomo over Republican challenger Rob Astorino on Tuesday would make him the first Democratic governor since his father, Mario Cuomo, to win re-election in the nation’s third-largest state.

Cuomo is believed to harbor national ambitions and has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate, though he has said he intends to serve a full four-year term.

He has consistently led the lesser-known Astorino in the polls and enjoyed a nearly 10-to-1 fundraising advantage over the Westchester County executive in the campaign’s final weeks.

Astorino has criticized Cuomo as an Albany insider who hadn’t done enough for the economy, while Cuomo campaigned on his record over the past four years, including tax cuts, tighter gun control, legalization of gay marriage, reductions in government gridlock and a renewed focus on the upstate economy.

Reginald Valentine Sr., a 70-year-old retiree voting in Manhattan, cited gun control as one of the reasons he chose Cuomo. Also, Valentine said, “I liked his daddy.”

Gay issues were key for Cuomo voter Chris Drago, 40, who works in marketing.

“I think he’s done a good job over the last couple of years,” Drago said. “He’s been supportive of gay rights in New York state which has been really a good thing.”

The 56-year-old Cuomo would begin his second term with a long list of challenges, including the implementation of a new medical marijuana law, a decision on whether to allow fracking for natural gas, and the selection of up to four new casino operators in upstate New York.

Liberals are expected to press Cuomo to make good on promises to push for a higher minimum wage, abortion rights protections and broad public campaign financing.

In the event of an Astorino upset, the Republican would likely face significant challenges in dealing with the state Assembly, led by longtime Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Democrat.

Cuomo’s running mate, former U.S. Rep. Kathy Hochul of Buffalo, faced off against Chemung County Sheriff Chris Moss to replace Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy, who is retiring.

(AP)