Delgado Expected to Announce Governor Bid

ALBANY – Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Delgado is anticipated to reveal his intention to run for governor this weekend, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Delgado has reportedly communicated to supporters that he aims to challenge Governor Kathy Hochul, as per a Democratic insider who recently spoke with him.

While Delgado’s spokesperson did not provide a comment, they didn’t refute the idea of him entering the race.

The former representative of Hudson Valley ended his collaboration with Hochul earlier this year, signaling significant public discord between the two.

Last summer, Delgado stirred tension by publicly urging President Biden to step aside from the 2024 presidential race, which angered Hochul, who was vocal in her support for Biden despite concerns about his health.

Delgado received a call to resign from Mayor Eric Adams during a corruption scandal, which marked a notable turn in their relationship.

Sources close to the situation suggest that their alliance had been deteriorating for months, with Delgado making his rift “social media official” on February 24, when he suddenly announced he wouldn’t seek reelection for the lieutenant governor position.

In a speech before a group of Democrats in Schenectady, he expressed frustration over the self-interest prevalent in politics: “There are so many people in politics who wake up every day about everything but damn people.”

This announcement prompted Hochul to strip Delgado of several state privileges, including his office at the Capitol and official email access.

Following this, Delgado has been utilizing an email provided by the state Senate, where he technically still holds the position of lieutenant governor.

He has spent the last few weeks traveling across the state, organizing town hall meetings.

Despite his efforts, Delgado faces a challenging path ahead against Hochul, who took office in 2021 after Andrew Cuomo’s resignation and was subsequently elected in 2022.

Hochul benefits from significant name recognition, and she commands a campaign fund of $15 million, alongside strong backing from influential unions in New York.

A recent Siena College Poll indicates that Delgado currently garners only 12% support in hypothetical matchups against Hochul and Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres.

In that same poll, Hochul secured 46% of the votes.

Delgado was Hochul’s second choice for lieutenant governor after her initial pick, State Senator Brian Benjamin, resigned amidst corruption charges.

Hochul has also proposed changes to New York’s election laws in the state budget, which may prevent Delgado from serving another full term.