Latest news with #NewYorkPolitics
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
N.Y. lieutenant governor to challenge Hochul in Democratic primary
Antonio Delgado, New York's lieutenant governor, announced he will run for governor in the state, setting up a bitter Democratic primary battle against the person who appointed him: Gov. Kathy Hochul. In his campaign launch video on Monday, the former congressman highlighted his upbringing in Schenectady, New York, and called for 'bold, decisive, and transformational' leadership. While his announcement didn't mention Hochul by name, Delgado mentioned New York's housing affordability crisis and legal fights the state faced from the Trump administration in what he suggests is retaliation for its liberal policies. 'Listen, the powerful and well-connected have their champions,' Delgado says in the video. 'I'm running for governor to be yours.' Delgado, who represented parts of Hudson Valley during two terms in Congress, was appointed by Hochul to lieutenant governor in 2022 after her previous lieutenant governor, Brian Benjamin (whom Hochul also appointed), was indicted on bribery charges and resigned — though the charges against him were ultimately dropped. Delgado said in February he wouldn't seek reelection as lieutenant governor in 2026, fueling speculation he could mount a primary challenge to Hochul. 'When I first made the decision to run for office after the 2016 presidential election, I did so because I believed we needed more leaders in government willing to hold themselves accountable to the people — and only the people. I believe New Yorkers deserve this kind of leadership now more than ever,' Delgado wrote then. 'All options are on the table, and I will be exploring them.' Hochul's office released a scathing response, appearing to confirm the months-long discord between the two officials. 'Today, Antonio Delgado finally said out loud what has been obvious for quite some time: he is simply not interested in doing the job of the Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York. Governor Hochul had already begun taking steps to identify a new running mate for 2026,' the statement read, adding that her office would be 'reallocating' his duties to make sure they are 'no longer neglected.' In July 2024, Delgado called for former president Joe Biden to step aside and drop his reelection bid, becoming the first statewide Democrat to do so. The move put him at odds with Hochul, who was still a stalwart supporter of Biden's bid. Delgado called for New York Mayor Eric Adams to resign in February amid his federal corruption charges and allegations that Adams engaged in a 'quid pro quo' agreement with the Trump administration to have the charges dropped, sharply breaking with Hochul, who said she would not remove Adams from office and instead proposed oversight measures over his administration. A federal judge dismissed the corruption case against Adams in April. Meghan Meehan-Draper, executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, backed Hochul in a statement on Monday, calling the governor 'a proven leader with a strong record of delivering for New Yorkers.' 'The Democratic Governors Association is 100 percent behind Governor Hochul as she continues to deliver for New York, take on Donald Trump, and build the operation it will take to beat Republicans up and down the ballot in 2026,' Meehan-Draper said.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
New York governor's No. 2 is challenging her in next year's election
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado announced Monday that he will challenge his boss, Gov. Kathy Hochul, in the governor's race next year, months after a feud between the two Democrats erupted into public view. In a short campaign video, Delgado sought to introduce himself to voters, highlighting his educational background and offering a broad preview of his platform, saying 'what we need right here in New York is bold, decisive transformational leadership.' 'Listen, the powerful and well-connected have their champions. I'm running for governor to be yours,' he said. Delgado has been hinting at a primary challenge against Hochul for months and earlier this year said he would he would not run for reelection alongside the governor, ramping up speculation about his future and leading Hochul's office to sideline him from the duties of his ceremonial post. For Hochul, who appointed Delgado after her previous lieutenant governor was indicted, the announcement comes as she is expected to face a tough reelection fight next year, with serious opponents lining up. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican who is considering a run against Hochul, released a statement after Delgado's announcement that said, 'Let's FIRE HOCHUL in 2026.' 'Her own Lieutenant Governor that she hand picked is now primarying her which shows she has lost support not just from Republicans and Independents, but Democrat New Yorkers as well,' Stefanik said. Delgado and Hochul have long been at odds. Discord between the two leaders became apparent last year ahead the presidential election when the lieutenant governor called on former President Joe Biden to drop his reelection bid, while Hochul was one of Biden's biggest supporters and surrogates. After the election, Delgado wrote an op-ed for The New York Times that argued Democrats are 'ready for the next generation,' arguing that the party won't succeed 'with the same politicians telling the same old stories.' In another break with Hochul, Delgado had called for New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign as the mayor was battling his now-dismissed corruption case, while the governor was much more measured in her approach. The lieutenant governor's position on Adams led to a spokesperson for the governor releasing a statement that said 'Lieutenant Governor Delgado does not now and has not ever spoken on behalf of this administration.' Delgado previously served in the U.S. House before becoming lieutenant governor.
Fox News
3 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul facing Democratic primary from her own lieutenant governor
As she runs for re-election in 2026, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York will now face a primary challenge from her own lieutenant governor. New York Lt. Gov. Anthonio Delgado on Monday announced his bid to try and oust his boss as the Democrats' nominee in next year's election, in a very rare move by a lieutenant governor to primary challenge a sitting incumbent. "New York, I'm not here to play the game. I'm here to change it. I'm running to be your next Governor," Delgado said in a social media post. In an accompanying video, the 48-year-old Delgado took a jab at his boss, saying "what we need right here in New York is bold, decisive, transformational leadership." And in an interview with the New York Times, the lieutenant governor said that "people are hurting and New York deserves better leadership." Delgado, who is Black, in 2018 became the first person of African-American or Latino descent to be elected to Congress from Upstate New York. Four years later Hochul appointed Delgado to fill the then-vacant lieutenant governor's office, making him the first Latino to hold statewide office in New York. But in recent years, their working relationship deteriorated and after months of political friction with Hochul and mulling a bid for governor, Delgado made it official. Hochul was the state's lieutenant governor when, in August 2021, she was sworn in as New York's first female governor, after three-term Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned in disgrace amid multiple scandals. She defeated then-Rep. Lee Zeldin by just over six points in 2022 to win a full four-year term steering New York. Zeldin's showing was the best by a Republican gubernatorial nominee in blue-state New York since then-GOP Gov. George Pataki won re-election to a third term in 2002. In July of last year, Hochul announced her intention to run for re-election in 2026. While the governor's approval ratings in a recent Siena College poll were holding slightly in positive territory, the survey indicated a majority of New Yorkers would still prefer someone else to win the 2026 election for governor in the Empire State. According to the poll, which was conducted May 12-15, 36% of registered voters in New York state said they would vote to re-elect Hochul to a second four-year term, with a majority (55%) saying they wanted someone else. It is a 10-point negative movement for Hochul compared to Siena's April survey, when 39% of those questioned said they were prepared to vote to re-elect the governor and 48% wanted someone else. Fifty-one percent of Democrats surveyed in the new poll said at this early point in the 2026 election cycle they are prepared to re-elect Hochul, with 38% of Democrats saying they want "someone else." But the poll indicated Hochul holding a wide lead over Delgado and Rep. Richie Torres, who is also mulling a Democratic gubernatorial campaign. Hochul stood at 46% in the poll in the Democratic nomination race, with Delgado at 12% and Torres at 10%. The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) praised Hochul in a statement following Delgado's announcement. "Governor Kathy Hochul is a proven leader with a strong record of delivering for New Yorkers: putting money back in their pockets, protecting reproductive rights, and keeping communities safe. The Governor knows how to take on big fights and win for New York families — and her agenda is overwhelmingly popular with New Yorkers on both sides of the aisle. The Democratic Governors Association is 100 percent behind Governor Hochul as she continues to deliver for New York, take on Donald Trump, and build the operation it will take to beat Republicans up and down the ballot in 2026," DGA executive director Meghan Meehan-Draper said. Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York, who unsuccessfully primary challenged Hochul in 2022, took to social media to caution Delgado. "Antonio, you are a talented guy, with a great future. Based upon my experience this may not be the most well-thought out idea!" Suozzi said. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, who is seriously considering a 2026 run for governor, used Monday's news of Delgado's primary challenge to reiterate her criticism of Hochul. "There is a reason I dubbed Kathy Hochul the worst Governor in America. It's because it's true," Stefanik claimed in a statement. And the six-term congresswoman from Upstate New York, whom the Siena poll indicated was the front-runner in a hypothetical GOP primary, added that Hochul's "own Lieutenant Governor that she hand picked is now primarying her which shows she has lost support not just from Republicans and Independents, but Democrat New Yorkers as well." GOP Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, who is also seriously considering a run for governor, took to social media to also blast Hochul "as the worst Governor in America — failed, feckless, and grossly incompetent." "She must be defeated in 2026 and replaced with a Republican Governor who can restore balance and common sense to Albany," he argued.
Fox News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
More polling problems for this blue state Democrat governor facing re-election next year
Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's approval ratings are holding slightly in positive territory, but a new poll indicates a majority of New Yorkers would still prefer someone else to win the 2026 election for governor in the Empire State. A Siena College poll released on Tuesday also suggests that Rep. Elise Stefanik is the polling frontrunner among three major Republicans considering runs for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, in the race to challenge Hochul next year. According to the poll, which was conducted May 12-15, 36% of registered voters in New York state said they would vote to re-elect Hochul to a second four-year term, with a majority (55%) saying they wanted someone else. It is a 10-point negative movement for Hochul compared to Siena's April survey, when 39% of those questioned said they were prepared to vote to re-elect the governor and 48% who wanted someone else. Fifty-one percent of Democrats surveyed in the new poll said at this early point in the 2026 election cycle they are prepared to re-elect Hochul, with 38% of Democrats saying they want "someone else." The percentage of voters who prefer another candidate jumps to 64% among independents and 82% among Republicans in blue state New York. "Even more Republicans – 82% up from 68% last month – and independents – 64% up from 55% – prefer 'someone else' to be the next governor, while a small majority of Democrats, 51%, say they are prepared to reelect her," Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said. Hochul, who at the time was the state's lieutenant governor, in August 2021 was sworn in as New York's first female governor, after three-term Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned in disgrace amid multiple scandals. She defeated then-Rep. Lee Zeldin by just over six points in 2022 to win a full four-year term steering New York. Zeldin's showing was the best by a Republican gubernatorial nominee in blue-state New York since then-GOP Gov. George Pataki won re-election to a third term in 2002. In July of last year, Hochul announced her intention to run for re-election in 2026. The governor's approval ratings in the new poll are slightly above water, at 50% approval and 46% disapproval, while her favorable rating is just underwater, at 44% favorable and 46% unfavorable. The poll was conducted after the governor and the legislature reached final agreement on a $254 billion budget, which includes provisions for tax cuts, increased benefits and investments in various areas like education and healthcare. When asked whether issues the governor touted in the budget – inflation rebate checks, middle-class tax cuts, free public school meals, and increasing the child tax credit – will make New York more affordable, the poll indicates 52% said a lot or somewhat, with 43% saying not very much or not at all. The poll indicates Hochul continues to hold a wide lead over her two potential Democratic primary challengers. Forty-six percent of Democrats say they would support Hochul for their party's gubernatorial nomination, compared to 12% for Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and 10% for Rep. Ritchie Torres. "Two potential Hochul rivals for the Democratic nomination for governor next year – Delgado and Torres –remain largely unknown to a majority of voters and a majority of Democrats," Greenberg said. In the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, 35% of Republican voters said they would support Stefanik, the six-term GOP representative from upstate New York. Stefanik, who is part of the House Republican leadership and a strong supporter and ally of President Donald Trump, has said she is seriously considering a run for governor. Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents a swing congressional district in suburban New York City and who is also eyeing a campaign for governor, grabbed 22% support in the poll. Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman, another major Trump ally and potential gubernatorial candidate, was at 11%. Trump stands at 40% approval and 57% disapproval among New York State voters, according to the poll, with his favorable rating at 38%-59%. Greenberg noted that "81% of Democrats disapprove of the job Trump is doing as president, while 82% of Republicans approve, and independents are closely divided." The survey had an overall sampling error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Deep blue state is swinging 'aggressively to the right' and there's polling to prove its residents are fed up
One of America's most Democratic states is experiencing a dramatic shift to the right for the first time in decades. A new poll has found New York could be competitive for Republicans as candidates eye challenging unpopular Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul who is running for reelection in 2026. A GrayHouse poll found that just 36 percent approve of New York Governor Kathy Hochul's performance and 55 percent disapprove. 'Kathy Hochul's numbers have imploded,' a New York Republican political operative told the Daily Mail, pointing to the devastating approval numbers for her in a state that is primarily comprised of Democrats. Even President Trump has a higher approval rating than Hochul in the heavily Democratic state - with 43 percent approving and 56 percent disapproving. The poll of 826 registered voters in New York was conducted between April 22 and 28 with a 4 point margin of error. Political consultants were dazzled by President Donald Trump 's increased voter share in New York in the 2024 election, and are excited by indications that the rightward realignment can continue. Rampant crime, out-of-control immigration, and corruption has seen support swinging towards the Republicans as Empire State residents grow frustrated with the lack of accountability after decades of single party political leadership. The state's Democratic leadership has faced a popularity slide on the back of radical left wing policies, such as draconian Covid restrictions and soft-on-crime policing. Republicans have been reaping the benefits of the realignment. The Republican Party gained Hispanic, Black, Asian-American voters as suburbanites and working class voters responded to their message of tougher enforcement of crime and immigration, and promising to address the cost of living and inflation. Trump shocked the state after he only lost by 13 points to Kamala Harris, increasing his voter share in 2024 by 11 points. The last time New York voted for a Republican president was Ronald Reagan in 1984, 40 years ago. Trump gained more than 600,000 votes in New York between the 2016 and 2024 elections. Harris' margin of victory was the narrowest of Democratic presidential candidates since 1992. In 2022, Republicans flipped all four congressional seats away from Democrats, helping give House Republicans the majority in Washington, DC. Republican candidate for governor Rep. Lee Zeldin came within 6 points of defeating Hochul as the final tally was 47 percent to 53 percent. Republicans are anticipating a rematch with Hochul as her approval ratings are weaker than ever. 'The rightward shift of New York, in particular New York City, has been happening since 2006,' GrayHouse pollster Landon Wall told the Daily Mail. Wall indicated that Trump's gains in New York City could even help a potential future Republican candidate. But the newfound excitement from Republicans in the state is bigger than just Donald Trump. 'There's this energy and this desire for something counter to the one party rule in New York that is separate from the Trump effect,' Wall said. Sixty percent of voters statewide say it's 'time for someone new,' including 75 percent of Independents and even 34 percent of Democrats. The poll shows that rising Republican star Elise Stefanik, 40, is within striking distance of Hochul if she decides to run a campaign for governor. Forty-six percent of voters said they would vote for Hohul, while Stefanik would earn 40 percent of the vote. Fourteen percent of voters were undecided. That's a strong start for Stefanik to consider the race, as she has not even announced a campaign. Stefanik has a clear lead with Republicans in the state, with 44 percent of primary voters signaled their support for a potential run for governor. Only seven percent chose Rep. Mike Lawler and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Stefanik indicated she was seriously considering a run for governor. 'If you look at the past few election cycles, New York is moving toward the Republican direction, and I believe that's a result of single party failed Democrat rule led by Kathy Hochul,' she said. Originally selected by Trump to serve as his Ambassador to the U.N., the president withdrew her nomination so that she could remain in the House of Representatives where Republicans are clinging to a slim majority. But that hasn't stopped her political momentum. Stefanik is stepping up the number of events in the state and has strong support for a run. 'I'm gonna fight for New Yorkers like I always do. We are crisscrossing the state... we are hearing an outpouring of support importantly not just from Republicans, but from Independents and Democrats as well. It has been overwhelming. New Yorkers want to fire Kathy Hochul,' she said. Trump's performance in the state, his rallies, and events only helped increase the number of Republican supporters, she said. 'The trends are only continuing. You look at President Donald Trump's outcome on Election Day in New York, he did better in some parts of the city than any Republican in decades,' she said.
