Lt. Governor Delgado not running for reelection

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has announced he will not be running with Governor Kathy Hochul in 2026. https://x.com/DelgadoforNY/status/1894130426458833001/photo/1

He has served in the role since 2022. While Delgado said he’s deeply committed to finishing his term, he will not be seeking re-election as Lieutenant Governor.

In a statement released on Monday he said in part, “I am determined to be your voice in state government now and in the future. All options are on the table, and I will be exploring them.”

At a press conference on Tuesday, Governor Hochul said, "It is clear to me that he’s not happy being in the role of Lieutenant Governor, but I wish him well in whatever he chooses to do."

On Monday, the governor’s communications director Anthony Hogrebe, released a fiery statement insinuating Delgado wasn’t doing his job, saying “We will also be reallocating responsibilities within the administration to ensure that important initiatives that had been within the Lieutenant Governor's office are no longer neglected…”

We reached out to Governor Hochul's Office to see what, if anything has been neglected by Delgado but have not gotten an answer.

One of the responsibilities of the Lieutenant Governor is to preside over the state Senate. During a press conference on Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins was asked how he’s done in that.

"When he's invited to come or when he wants to come, he's been able to fulfill the role, so it's fine," responded Stewart-Cousins.

Over the past year, Delgado and Hochul have had different opinions. Delgado wanted President Joe Biden to end his presidential campaign in June — while the governor touted her support Biden. Most recently, the Lieutenant Governor called for New York City Mayor Eric Adams to step down. Hochul has taken a more cautious position. 

Jeff Wice, an adjunct professor at New York Law School, said often lieutenant governors feel isolated or ignored by governors.

"That might be in part what led to now Lieutenant Governor Delgado deciding not to run again with Governor Hochul who picked him to serve as Lieutenant Governor a few years back after her first selection, Brian Benjamin, a former state Senator was indicted,” said Wice.

We reached out to the Lieutenant Governor’s team for a response to the communications director’s statement but have not gotten a response.