ALBANY, New York — In a surprising turn of events, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has declared that he will not seek another term as lieutenant governor. This decision comes after a public rift with his former running mate, Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Delgado's statement, posted on X earlier today, emphasized his commitment to serving out his current term, which he views as a mandate from the people of New York. While candidates for lieutenant governor typically run independently in primaries, they often form alliances with gubernatorial candidates, as Delgado did with Hochul in 2022.
The Path Forward
Looking ahead, Delgado asserted his determination to continue representing the people's interests in state government. He hinted at exploring various options for his political future, sparking speculation about potential challenges to Hochul in the upcoming primary election.
Despite the historically limited powers of the lieutenant governor role, recent political history in New York has shown that incumbents can ascend to the governorship in times of crisis. Both Hochul and David Paterson have assumed the state's highest office when their predecessors resigned.
A Shift in Priorities
Delgado's tenure as lieutenant governor has been marked by a desire for more substantive responsibilities, in contrast to the traditional ceremonial duties of the role. While Hochul advocated for a collaborative approach with the governor, Delgado sought a more proactive stance on key issues.
Notable instances of Delgado diverging from Hochul's positions include his calls for President Joe Biden and Mayor Eric Adams to take specific actions before his running mate was ready to do so. These actions underscore Delgado's independent mindset within the administration.
Reactions and Reshuffling
In response to Delgado's announcement, Hochul's communications director, Anthony Hogrebe, expressed understanding of Delgado's decision and outlined plans to reassign neglected duties within the administration. The governor is already in the process of identifying a new running mate for the upcoming election.
Ultimately, Delgado's choice not to seek reelection signifies a significant shift in New York's political landscape. As the state prepares for the next election cycle, the absence of Delgado on the ballot raises questions about the future trajectory of New York politics.
Nick Reisman contributed to this report.
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