Newly minted lieutenant-governor candidate David Paterson got a warm welcome-home to Harlem yesterday, as hundreds packed the Great Hall at City College to send the area’s longtime state senator on a possible path to higher office.

Paterson pledged to always keep Harlem on his mind, even while representing the state.

“Harlem is in my blood,” Paterson said after being introduced by running mate Eliot Spitzer. “Wherever I go, Harlem will go with me.”