New York Lt. Governor announces 2026 primary challenge to Hochul

New York's Democratic Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado on Monday announced in a campaign video that he will be running for governor next year, officially launching a primary challenge to incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Delgado, who was one of Hochul's allies three years ago, claimed there was no effective leadership in the state, which has hurt residents. New York is one of the most expensive states to live in, with a shortage of affordable housing and high healthcare and childcare costs. 

The announcement comes after Delgado said in February that he was not seeking reelection as Hochul's number two in 2026. 

“People are hurting and New York deserves better leadership,” Delgado told the New York Times. “There’s an absence of bold, decisive, transformational leadership. I haven't seen a vision. I haven’t seen a decisive leadership that is clear-eyed."

The relationship between the two top officials in New York began to turn last year when Delgado called for then-President Joe Biden to drop his bid for reelection. It became further strained when he called on New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign over federal corruption allegations.

Delgado told potential voters in a campaign video that they needed a governor who had a clear vision for the state and who could help them through the rising cost of living.

“Listen, the powerful and well-connected have their champions,” he said in the video. “I’m running for governor to be yours.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.