Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado Announces Run for NY Governor

Categories: New York State Breaking NewsNew York State News

The vibrant political landscape of New York as candidates prepare for the gubernatorial election.

News Summary

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has announced his candidacy for New York Governor, challenging incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul. Delgado emphasizes a need for transformational leadership as he prepares for the competitive Democratic primary. His announcement follows public tensions with Hochul, who appointed him to his role. Despite significant challenges posed by Hochul’s campaign resources and name recognition, Delgado has begun engaging with communities across the state to build support, marking a pivotal moment in New York politics.

New York — Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has officially announced his candidacy for New York Governor in the 2026 election, challenging incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul, who appointed him to statewide office in 2022. The launch of Delgado’s campaign comes as he emphasizes a need for “bold, decisive, transformational leadership” in the state.

Delgado made his intentions clear through a campaign video and an interview with a major publication, where he voiced his commitment to family, community, state, and country. His announcement follows a series of public disagreements with Hochul earlier this year, marking a significant political split between the two leaders.

Previously, Delgado had noted he would not seek re-election as Hochul’s lieutenant governor, a decision that came after he faced various challenges within the administration. Following his announcement, it was reported that Hochul stripped Delgado of many state perks, including his capitol office, adding to the tension between them. He has since been utilizing an email account set up for him by the state Senate, which he oversees.

In preparation for his campaign, Delgado has been hosting town hall events across New York State, engaging with communities and stakeholders to build support. However, significant challenges lie ahead; Hochul has a campaign war chest of approximately $15 million and benefits from strong name recognition. A recent Siena College poll indicates that Delgado would capture only 12% of the vote in a hypothetical matchup against Hochul, who is projected to secure 46%.

Political Context and Challenges

Delgado’s run signifies not only his ambition but also highlights a fissure in the Democratic Party of New York as both candidates vie for the same voter base. Hochul’s leadership has been subject to criticism by some party members, especially in light of challenges connected to her administration’s handling of various issues, including former lieutenant governor Brian Benjamin’s resignation amid corruption charges. Although those charges were eventually dropped, the controversy left a mark on Hochul’s tenure.

Furthermore, Hochul changed election laws to ensure that governors and lieutenant governors run on the same ticket during primaries, a move perceived to solidify her position. Critics of Hochul have pointed out the complications arising from her current lieutenant governor running against her. In contrast, the Democratic Governors Association endorsed Hochul, reinforcing her campaign and spotlighting her achievements in pursuing policies aimed at benefiting New York families.

Divided Democratic Party

The rift between Delgado and Hochul is further magnified by their differing strategies to secure support within a fragmented Democratic Party. National Democrats, along with various party factions, will play a crucial role in influencing both candidates’ electoral prospects as the primaries approach. Rep. Tom Suozzi has criticized Delgado’s decision to challenge Hochul, implying that the move is poorly thought out, showcasing the diverse perspectives within the party regarding the upcoming election.

As Delgado officially embarks on his campaign, New York voters can expect an increasingly competitive Democratic primary. His call for transformational leadership resonates with certain sections of the electorate, while Hochul’s established political presence and significant fundraise reflect her readiness to defend her position in the gubernatorial race. How these factors play into the upcoming election remains to be seen as each candidate rallies support from the Democratic base in New York.