NY Lt. Gov. Delgado launches rare primary challenge against Gov. Hochul for 2026

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is facing an unexpected challenge in her bid for re-election in 2026. Her own lieutenant governor, Anthonio Delgado, has announced his intention to primary her for the Democratic nomination.

Delgado, who made history as the first person of African-American or Latino descent to be elected to Congress from Upstate New York, is now vying for the top job in the state. In a bold move, he criticized Hochul for lacking the bold and decisive leadership needed to address the challenges facing New York.

The strained relationship between Hochul and Delgado has been brewing for some time, leading to the lieutenant governor’s decision to challenge his boss. Despite being appointed by Hochul to fill the vacant lieutenant governor’s office, Delgado believes that New York deserves better leadership.

Hochul, who became governor in 2021 after Andrew Cuomo’s resignation, is now facing a tough battle for re-election. While recent polling shows her approval ratings holding slightly in positive territory, a majority of New Yorkers seem to prefer someone else in the governor’s office.

In a recent Siena College poll, only 36% of registered voters said they would vote to re-elect Hochul, with 55% expressing a desire for someone else to lead the state. This marks a significant drop from previous surveys, indicating a growing dissatisfaction with the current governor.

Despite the challenges she faces, Hochul still holds a wide lead over Delgado and Rep. Richie Torres in the Democratic nomination race. The Democratic Governors Association has expressed its support for Hochul, praising her leadership and accomplishments in office.

On the Republican side, Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Mike Lawler are both considering runs for governor in 2026. Stefanik, who has been critical of Hochul, sees the lieutenant governor’s primary challenge as a sign of diminishing support for the incumbent.

As the race for governor heats up in New York, all eyes will be on the Democratic primary between Hochul and Delgado. The outcome of this contest will have far-reaching implications for the future of the state and its leadership. Stay tuned for more updates as the campaign unfolds.