New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado launched a Democratic primary challenge against Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday, saying in a video announcing his campaign that the state needs “bold, decisive, transformational leadership.”
"Let's not drop the ball on figuring out what it is we're fighting for. We believe in facts, truth, liberty, the rule of law and justice for all," Delgado said. "Listen, the powerful and well-connected have their champions. I'm running for governor to be yours."
Delgado did not mention Hochul by name in the video. He told The New York Times, “People are hurting and New York deserves better leadership.”
Hochul selected Delgado to be lieutenant governor and her running mate in May 2022, after then-Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin was arrested on charges related to campaign finance fraud. Delgado fueled speculation he could challenge Hochul when he announced in February that he would not be Hochul’s running mate as she seeks another term next year.
Delgado and Hochul have had some high-profile disagreements, including when Delgado called on President Joe Biden to end his 2024 re-election bid and said embattled New York Mayor Eric Adams should resign.
Delgado was first elected to the House in 2018, winning a crowded primary that year and going on to defeat GOP Rep. John Faso in a competitive district in the Hudson Valley.
Delgado could face a tough race against a sitting governor who has already started to build up her campaign, having reported nearly $15.5 million in her campaign account as of Jan. 15. Hochul also fended off two primary challengers in 2022, easily defeating New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Rep. Tom Suozzi.
Suozzi posted on X that Delgado is "a talented guy, with a great future," but added, "Based upon my experience this may not be the most well-thought out idea!"
Democratic Governors Association Executive Director Meghan Meehan-Draper said in a statement that the DGA is "100 percent behind Governor Hochul as she continues to deliver for New York, take on Donald Trump, and build the operation it will take to beat Republicans up and down the ballot in 2026."
"For years, Governor Hochul has been underestimated — and each time proved her critics wrong," Meehan-Draper said.
Republicans are eyeing New York as a possible pickup opportunity next year, despite its Democratic lean. New York swung toward Donald Trump more than any other state last year as Trump made gains in other blue states. But it is still an uphill climb for Republicans, as Trump still lost it by 13 points last year.
GOP Reps. Mike Lawler and Elise Stefanik have been considering running for governor.
Stefanik said in a statement that Hochul's "own Lieutenant Governor that she hand picked is now primarying her which shows she has lost support not just from Republicans and Independents, but Democrat New Yorkers as well."
"It is time for new leadership to save New York from the decades of catastrophic failed policies of single-party Democrat rule," she added.
Lawler wrote on X that Hochul "must be defeated in 2026 and replaced with a Republican Governor who can restore balance and common sense to Albany."
