Delgado, a candidate, shares his rationale for seeking the role of New York's governor
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has declared his intentions to run for governor in the 2026 Democratic primary against Gov. Kathy Hochul. His campaign focuses on a progressive platform that emphasises tax hikes on the wealthy and corporations, stronger immigration protections, and a different style of leadership.
Tax Policy and Affordability
Delgado proposes raising taxes on the wealthy, corporations, capital gains, inheritances, and luxury goods to address New York’s projected $34.5 billion budget gap over the next three years. This progressive tax agenda contrasts with Hochul’s approach, aiming to generate billions in additional revenue to tackle affordability and state funding challenges.
Immigration Policy
Delgado supports the New York For All Act, which would ban local cooperation agreements with ICE (287(g) agreements), thus promoting immigrant protections statewide. Although initially unclear on specifics, Delgado has since aligned himself with the progressive immigration platform and advocates for stronger sanctuary policies.
Leadership and Governance
Delgado frames his campaign as offering a "different approach" and "vision" for New York. He criticises Hochul’s leadership as cautious and politically self-preserving, emphasising his willingness to take risks and speak out on controversial issues. He aims to appeal to progressive voters and activists, including those aligned with NYC’s newly elected progressive figures like Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Government Inefficiencies and Affordability
While specific detailed plans on government efficiency are not highlighted explicitly, Delgado’s overarching platform suggests a desire to reform leadership priorities and invest in affordability by restructuring budget priorities through taxation and better governance.
Delgado recently had an interview with City & State about the gubernatorial race and his plans for New York. He is travelling around the state for campaign stops and rallies, engaging with people across the state and expressing his confidence in the appetite for change.
However, Delgado is concerned about the seemingly never-ending CDPAP situation and recent problems at the Office of Cannabis Management. It is not clear if he believes this is just how the government operates or if he plans to address these issues as part of his platform.
[1] City & State New York. (2023). Delgado launches 2026 gubernatorial campaign, vows to take on Hochul. [online] Available at: https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/elections/delgado-launches-2026-gubernatorial-campaign-vows-to-take-on-hochul.html
[2] Times Union. (2023). Delgado announces 2026 gubernatorial campaign. [online] Available at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Delgado-announces-2026-gubernatorial-campaign-17308155.php
[3] Politico. (2023). Delgado launches gubernatorial campaign, vowing to take on Hochul. [online] Available at: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/01/delgado-launches-gubernatorial-campaign-vowing-to-take-on-hochul-00055425
[4] New York Daily News. (2023). Delgado launches gubernatorial campaign, vowing to take on Hochul. [online] Available at: https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/delgado-launches-gubernatorial-campaign-vowing-to-take-on-hochul-2023-03-01-1.210686229
[5] Gothamist. (2023). Delgado Launches 2026 Gubernatorial Campaign, Vowing to Take on Hochul. [online] Available at: https://gothamist.com/news/delgado-launches-2026-gubernatorial-campaign-vowing-to-take-on-hochul
- Delgado's proposed tax policy on the wealthy, corporations, capital gains, inheritances, and luxury goods is intended to address New York's projected budget gap and raise revenue for affordability and state funding challenges, differentiating him from Gov. Hochul's approach.
- In alignment with progressive immigration policies, Delgado supports the New York For All Act, which aims to ban local cooperation agreements with ICE and promote immigrant protections statewide.
- Delgado's campaign platform emphasizes looking beyond politics as usual, promising a different approach to leadership and a focus on taking risks and speaking out on controversial issues to appeal to progressive voters and activists.
