Delgado to Challenge Hochul in Governor’s Race
New York Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Delgado has announced his intent to run for governor, becoming the first notable Democrat to challenge Governor Kathy Hochul in the upcoming election. This decision comes after he indicated in February that he would not seek reelection as lieutenant governor and is open to exploring other opportunities.
Delgado was appointed by Hochul as her deputy commander in 2022, but their relationship has reportedly soured over time. He expressed his frustrations, stating, “People are hurt and New York deserves better leadership,” during an interview with a major newspaper. He emphasizes the need for “bold, decisive, transformative leadership.”
Hochul, New York’s first female governor who took office after Andrew Cuomo’s resignation, appears to be in a vulnerable position heading into the race. Her approval ratings have been consistently low, with recent polls indicating that a significant portion of New Yorkers would prefer another candidate in 2026. A Siena University survey from last month showed that 55% of respondents favored an alternative, while only 36% supported Hochul. Interestingly, her ratings had dipped again after briefly becoming positive earlier this year.
In addition to Delgado, Representative Ritchie Torres is also mulling a run against Hochul, setting the stage for a challenging primary.
However, according to the same Siena poll, Hochul currently leads in a hypothetical three-way primary matchup, garnering 46% support compared to 12% for Delgado and 10% for Torres. Hochul’s fundraising abilities further bolster her candidacy.
Despite the poll results, Delgado remains undeterred, criticizing Hochul for lacking “clear, decisive leadership.” His campaign kickoff video features reflections on his upbringing in a middle-class family and his desire to create more opportunities for future generations. “It’s love for family. It’s love for community. It’s love for nation. It’s love for country. And I’m dedicated to it. That’s why I’m running for governor of New York,” he affirmed.
In his video, Delgado calls for “bold” leadership that addresses critical issues like affordable housing, universal healthcare, and expanded access to pre-K education. He also criticized the current political landscape, urging for a stand against perceived “attacks” on the nation.
“The powerful and well-connected people have champions. I’m running to be yours,” he concluded.
