Touting his father's success in reducing crime in New York City before leaving office in 2001, the younger Giuliani said he would make New York state a better place, particularly for businesses hit hard by the pandemic.

"The man was able to accomplish what I hope to accomplish in New York state, which is turning around what many people think may be an ungovernable place," Giuliani said at a news conference in lower Manhattan, with New York Harbor as a backdrop.

"There is no more effective playbook than the Giuliani playbook," said Giuliani, 35, a graduate of Duke University who has never served in elected office.