Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul of New York is facing a primary challenge from her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, as the state’s political landscape becomes increasingly competitive ahead of the 2026 election. Delgado’s decision to run against Hochul, a rare move by a lieutenant governor, signals a significant shift in the political dynamics of New York.
Delgado, a prominent figure in the state’s political scene, has announced his bid to unseat Hochul, describing his campaign as a move to deliver ‘bold, decisive, transformational leadership’ to New York. His announcement comes amid recent polling that shows a majority of New Yorkers prefer someone other than Hochul for the governor position, raising questions about her re-election prospects.
The political tension between Hochul and Delgado has been simmering for some time, with their working relationship deteriorating over the past few years. Delgado, who was appointed to the lieutenant governor position by Hochul in 2021, has now taken the bold step of challenging her for the Democratic nomination, potentially reshaping the state’s political future.
At 48 years old, Delgado brings a mix of experience and a progressive outlook to the race. As the first person of African-American or Latino descent to be elected to Congress from Upstate New York since 2018, he has long been a key figure in the state’s Democratic Party. His decision to run against Hochul is seen by some as a response to recent criticism of her administration’s handling of key state issues, including economic management and social policies.
Hochul, who took over as governor following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo in 2021, has faced ongoing challenges in maintaining public support. Recent polls indicate that while she still has a moderate level of approval, the majority of New Yorkers would prefer someone else to lead the state. This has become a point of concern for her campaign, which must now navigate an internal challenge within the Democratic Party.
Delgado’s announcement has also drawn attention from other political figures. Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi, who previously challenged Hochul in 2022, expressed skepticism about Delgado’s decision, suggesting that he may not have fully considered the implications of running against his boss. Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, a potential 2026 gubernatorial candidate, seized the opportunity to criticize Hochul, calling her ‘the worst governor in America’ and highlighting the failure of her policies.
The political landscape in New York is rapidly evolving, with multiple Democratic figures considering runs for governor. Delgado’s campaign is expected to be a key part of the 2026 election cycle, as the state’s Democratic Party faces its own internal divisions. The outcome of this primary challenge could have significant implications for the state’s political future.