Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi in a video statement to be released later on Wednesday morning outlined the daunting challenges facing New York, calling the state of the state "dismal" and that residents "deserve better." 

Suozzi, who is challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul for the Democratic nomination for governor this year, faulted her plans to combat the sharp rise in COVID cases while promising to deal with crime and lower taxes. 

In the video, Suozzi pointed to the state's declining population — likely caused by the pandemic and prior to Hochul taking office — as well as the state's tax climate. 

But much of his statement focused on the response to the pandemic and the spread of the omicron variant, calling it "too little, too late."

"I'll work with anyone to solve problems, to fight crime, lower taxes and create jobs -- to make New York the place you want to be," Suozzi said. 

Suozzi's video is serving as an early rebuttal to Hochul's State of the State speech to be given later in the day. It's the first time Hochul will be formally laying out her agenda to New Yorkers and the state Legislature as the new session gets underway in Albany. 

The Long Island House member is vying for the nomination along with Hochul and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.