In Albany, New York, tensions between Governor Kathy Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado have reached a tipping point. After months of friction, their discontent has now manifested in a very public falling out. Delgado, who was appointed by Hochul in 2022 after his predecessor faced legal troubles, announced on Monday his decision not to seek reelection alongside Hochul in the 2026 race. Yet, despite his departure plans, he expressed a commitment to fulfill the remainder of his current term.
Delgado did not specify the exact reasons behind his decision, but commented on the leadership climate, suggesting that New Yorkers need more leaders who prioritize accountability solely to their constituents. This comment marked a clear critique of the existing political environment.
Shortly thereafter, Governor Hochul’s office issued a sharp response. Anthony Hogrebe, her communications director, pointed out that Delgado’s disinterest in the role had been evident for some time. He mentioned that Hochul had already begun exploring options for a new running mate for the 2026 election.
As part of this process, plans are in place to shift Delgado’s responsibilities elsewhere to ensure that the role of Lieutenant Governor is not left unattended. Hogrebe conveyed Hochul’s best wishes to Delgado in his future endeavors, emphasizing the readiness for a transition.
This divide did not materialize overnight. It started becoming apparent last year, particularly during the presidential election lead-up. Delgado had called for former President Joe Biden to step down from his reelection campaign, contrasting with Hochul’s supportive position as a prominent Biden advocate on news platforms. Additionally, Delgado ran his own initiative to support Democratic congressional candidates in New York, seemingly independent of Hochul’s efforts in assisting the party on a broader scale.
Following the elections, Delgado wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times, urging his party to embrace change and warning against redundant political narratives. He hinted at a need for new directions and leadership, aligning with his calls for a generational shift.
This month, Delgado took a public stance by urging New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign, a step ahead of the governor’s more cautious approach. This divergence prompted Hogrebe to issue another statement, clarifying that Delgado’s remarks did not reflect the administration’s position.
As Hochul braces for a challenging reelection campaign next year amidst serious contenders, the notion of her lieutenant governor charting his independent path has become politically significant. Delgado is rumored to be considering his options, including a potential challenge to Hochul, as he affirmed that all possibilities remain open.
Before ascending to the role of lieutenant governor, Delgado served a single term in the U.S. House, representing a district in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. His lieutenant governor tenure, a predominantly ceremonial position, has seen limited public engagement. Contrastively, Hochul maintained a low profile and avoided public conflicts during her earlier tenure as lieutenant governor.
Hochul became governor in 2021 after Andrew Cuomo resigned amid sexual harassment allegations from multiple women. Her initial lieutenant governor choice, Brian Benjamin, stepped down in 2022 following federal charges tied to campaign contributions and state grants. These charges were later dropped when evidence became insufficient due to a key witness’s death.
