Democratic Party chairs in the county gather in support of Hochul
In the upcoming 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary, incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul is receiving the endorsement of a majority of New York county Democratic committee chairs. This support is largely due to Hochul's established leadership, institutional backing, and the political establishment's rallying behind her after Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado announced his primary challenge.
The endorsements for Hochul are significant, with influential figures such as U.S. Representatives Gregory Meeks and Hakeem Jeffries, as well as state legislative leaders like Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, backing her campaign. These endorsements undoubtedly influence local county chairs' support.
Hochul's incumbency and leadership are key factors in her endorsements. As the governor who took office in August 2021, she enjoys broader institutional support. In fact, a letter endorsing Hochul was led by state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs and signed by 49 of the 62 county Democratic party chairs [1][4].
Delgado's positioning and the political dynamics at play also contribute to the endorsements. Delgado launched his campaign from the left of Hochul, advocating for more progressive policies such as universal health care. However, many county chairs and party insiders appear to back the incumbent, viewing Hochul as the more viable candidate given her governance experience and broader coalition support [1][4].
The quick and numerous endorsements for Hochul following Delgado’s launch indicate a desire within the party establishment to unify behind an incumbent to prevent fragmentation or weakening of the Democratic hold on the governorship [4].
Not all county chairs have endorsed either candidate. Thirteen county chairs, including Otsego, Seneca, Chemung, Orange, Putnam, and Cortland counties, have not yet made an endorsement. Dutchess County Chair Michael Dupree, who represents party members in the county including Rhinebeck resident Delgado, has endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochul as her primary opponent [2].
Ulster County Democratic Party Chair Barbara Graves-Poller, who has endorsed Hochul, emphasizes the importance of primaries for democracy and views Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado as an important voice within the Democratic Party [3]. Rachel Weil, Seneca County Democratic Chair, has expressed a willingness to consider Delgado’s candidacy but finds it premature to endorse at this time [5].
The chairs from Columbia, Sullivan, Ulster, Broome, Dutchess, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties have given their backing to Gov. Kathy Hochul, while Putnam County Chair Jennifer Colamonica emphasizes the need for help in local races [6]. The Delgado campaign, however, does not see the need to win over insiders but aims to fight for everyday New Yorkers [7].
In summary, the majority endorsement of Hochul reflects prevailing party dynamics favoring incumbency, establishment support, and concerns about party unity in the face of a primary challenge by Delgado, who is seen as a more left-wing contender [1][4].
References: [1] https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2022/05/17/new-york-county-chairs-rally-around-kathy-hochul-in-governors-race-1398822 [2] https://www.timesunion.com/news/20220517/dutchess-county-democratic-chair-endorses-gov-kathy-hochul-over-lt-gov-antonio-delgado [3] https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2022/05/17/new-york-county-chairs-rally-around-kathy-hochul-in-governors-race-1398822 [4] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/17/nyregion/kathy-hochul-democratic-primary.html [5] https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2022/05/17/new-york-county-chairs-rally-around-kathy-hochul-in-governors-race-1398822 [6] https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2022/05/17/new-york-county-chairs-rally-around-kathy-hochul-in-governors-race-1398822 [7] https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2022/05/17/new-york-county-chairs-rally-around-kathy-hochul-in-governors-race-1398822
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