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Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has announced his withdrawal from the New York gubernatorial race, citing a lack of a "viable path forward." Delgado, who began his campaign last year, made the announcement on Tuesday (February 10) and emphasized his continued commitment to building a more humane, affordable, and equitable state for all New Yorkers. He also pledged support for fellow Democrats in their efforts to oppose President Trump.
Delgado's decision comes shortly after Governor Kathy Hochul secured the Democratic Party's nomination, ensuring her spot on the ballot for the upcoming primary in June. According to a Siena Research Institute poll, Hochul held a commanding lead over Delgado, with 64% support among registered Democrats compared to Delgado's 11%.
Despite his withdrawal, Delgado plans to serve out his term as lieutenant governor. He had previously announced democratic socialist India Walton as his running mate, aiming to bolster support from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. However, the lack of endorsements from key progressive figures and organizations, such as the Working Families Party, hindered his campaign.
Governor Hochul's campaign spokesperson, Sarafina Chitika, stated that the governor is focused on defeating Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman and President Trump. The governor has raised over $20 million for her campaign, significantly outpacing Blakeman's $1.2 million.
Delgado's exit from the race clears the path for Hochul's re-election bid, allowing her to concentrate resources on the general election. Delgado's future in politics remains uncertain, though he hinted at continued involvement in public service.