Delgado Launches Bid to Unseat Hochul in 2026 New York Gubernatorial Primary

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado announced Monday that he will challenge Governor Kathy Hochul in the 2026 Democratic primary, escalating months of political tension between the state's top two elected Democrats.

A still from Antony Delgado's announcement on X that he is running for Governor of New York.

In a campaign video released on social media, Delgado positioned himself as a champion for everyday New Yorkers, calling for "bold, decisive transformational leadership" and pledging to "change the game" in Albany. He emphasized his working-class roots, experience as a former congressman, and identity as a hip-hop artist and man of faith.

"The powerful and well-connected have their champions," Delgado said. "I'm running for governor to be yours."

Delgado's decision follows a series of public disagreements with Hochul. Earlier this year, he announced he would not seek reelection alongside her, fueling speculation about a potential gubernatorial run. The rift widened when Delgado called for New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign amid a federal corruption investigation—a stance Hochul declined to endorse. Additionally, Delgado broke with Hochul by urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, while Hochul remained a prominent Biden supporter.

Born in Schenectady, New York, Delgado, 48, is of African American, Cape Verdean, Mexican, Colombian, and Venezuelan descent. He self-identifies as Afro-Latino and has emphasized his multicultural heritage throughout his political career. Delgado is the first person of either African American or Latino descent elected to Congress from Upstate New York and the first Latino to hold statewide office in New York.

Delgado's educational background includes a bachelor's degree from Colgate University, where he played Division I basketball, a master's degree from The Queen's College, Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and a law degree from Harvard University. Before entering politics, he pursued a career in music under the stage name "AD the Voice," releasing a socially conscious rap album. He later worked as a litigator in New York City.

Hochul, who appointed Delgado as lieutenant governor in 2022, is expected to face a challenging reelection campaign. Recent polls indicate that a majority of New Yorkers prefer a new candidate, and potential Republican challengers, including U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, are preparing bids.

Delgado's entry into the race sets the stage for a contentious Democratic primary in June 2026, highlighting internal divisions within the party and may present a significant test for Hochul's leadership.