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Lieutenant Governor Anthonio Delgado Challenges Kathy Hochul in Democratic Primary for New York Governor
New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul faces a significant challenge as she campaigns for re-election in 2026. In an unexpected turn of events, her own lieutenant governor, Anthonio Delgado, has declared his candidacy to challenge Hochul for the Democratic nomination.
Delgado made his intentions known on Monday, marking a rare instance where a lieutenant governor seeks to unseat an incumbent from the same party. His announcement has stirred excitement and controversy within New York’s political landscape.
In a bold social media post, Delgado proclaimed, “New York, I’m not here to play the game. I’m here to change it. I’m running to be your next Governor.” This statement underscores his commitment to a transformative leadership vision for the state.
Accompanying his announcement was a video where the 48-year-old politician criticized Hochul, asserting that New Yorkers need more than what has been offered recently. He emphasized the need for bold, decisive, and transformational leadership.
Voicing Concerns Over Leadership
Delgado stressed the urgency of addressing the struggles facing New Yorkers. In an interview with the New York Times, he stated, “People are hurting, and New York deserves better leadership.” His comments highlight a growing dissatisfaction among citizens regarding the state’s current governance.
Historically, Delgado has made strides in electoral politics. In 2018, he became the first person of African-American or Latino descent elected to Congress from Upstate New York. Four years later, Hochul appointed him as lieutenant governor, making him the first Latino to hold statewide office.
Deteriorating Relations and Rising Tensions
Despite their shared history, Delgado and Hochul’s working relationship has reportedly deteriorated in recent years. Political friction between them has escalated, leading Delgado to officially announce his candidacy.
Hochul rose to prominence in August 2021 when she became New York’s first female governor following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo amid scandals. She secured a full four-year term in 2022 by defeating her opponent, Lee Zeldin, by a margin of just over six percentage points.
Hochul’s performance in the last election was noteworthy, marking the strongest showing by a Republican gubernatorial nominee in New York since 2002.
Challenges Ahead for Hochul
In July 2022, Hochul announced her intention to seek re-election in 2026. Presently, a Siena College poll indicates that while her approval ratings remain slightly positive, a significant portion of New Yorkers—55%—expressed a desire for an alternative candidate in the upcoming election.
The poll, conducted from May 12 to May 15, shows that only 36% of registered voters would choose to re-elect Hochul, reflecting a drop compared to the previous month. This 10-point shift raises concerns about her campaign viability.
Among Democrats, 51% are inclined to support Hochul, while 38% prefer a different candidate. However, polling data reveals that she maintains a substantial lead over Delgado and Representative Richie Torres, who is also considering a gubernatorial run.
Support and Criticism from Party Leaders
After Delgado’s announcement, the Democratic Governors Association voiced strong support for Hochul. They underscored her proven track record, highlighting her commitment to critical issues like protecting reproductive rights and bolstering community safety. DGA executive director Meghan Meehan-Draper praised Hochul as a leader capable of taking on substantial challenges.
Notably, Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi, who previously faced Hochul in a primary challenge in 2022, cautioned Delgado on social media. He suggested that while Delgado is a talented individual, his decision to challenge Hochul may not be the most strategic move.
Republican leaders also seized the opportunity to critique Hochul in light of Delgado’s announcement. Rep. Elise Stefanik, actively considering a gubernatorial bid herself, reiterated her longstanding criticism of Hochul’s governorship. She labeled her the “worst Governor in America,” citing Delgado’s decision as evidence of waning support from various political factions.
Similarly, GOP Rep. Mike Lawler echoed these sentiments. He characterized Hochul’s leadership as “failed” and called for a replacement that could restore balance and common sense to Albany.
Looking Ahead: Implications for New York’s Political Landscape
The unfolding political battle between Delgado and Hochul is likely to captivate voters and shape the future of New York governance. With a significant portion of the electorate expressing the need for change, the dynamics of the campaign will be pivotal.
The outcome of this primary challenge will have lasting implications not just for the candidates involved but for the Democratic Party as a whole, as they navigate internal divisions while facing potential opposition from a motivated Republican cohort. The 2026 election looms large, promising to be a landmark moment in New York politics.
