Democratic Party heads convene in support of Hochul
The Democratic gubernatorial primary in New York for 2026 is shaping up to be an intriguing contest, with incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado officially entering the race.
Hochul, currently the frontrunner, has been widely viewed as the likely nominee. However, her low approval ratings and political challenges make her considered vulnerable. On the other hand, Delgado, who launched his campaign on June 2, 2025, has less statewide name recognition but is yet to secure any major endorsements.
Notably, Hochul has raised substantial campaign funds early in 2025, with $17.5 million cash on hand and $4 million raised in the first half of the year, indicating strong financial backing and establishment support. Delgado’s campaign, on the contrary, has been marked by reports of a strained relationship with Hochul’s office, but no significant endorsements have been detailed for him.
The endorsement landscape is dynamic. A letter from the chairs of 49 out of 62 county Democratic parties endorses Gov. Hochul over Lt. Gov. Delgado. The chairs made their endorsement in their personal capacities, but the support is significant and suggests Hochul will easily win the state party's endorsement next year. However, 13 county chairs did not sign the letter but have not yet endorsed Delgado either.
Some county chairs, like Ulster County's Barbara Graves-Poller, have supplemented the endorsement letter with personal statements of support for Hochul. Others, such as Schenectady County's Frank Salamone, have praised Hochul's leadership but have yet to endorse her.
Delgado's campaign focuses on fighting for everyday New Yorkers, not the powerful few, as stated by his spokesperson, Steven Ileka. He is expected to hold an event in Schenectady on Saturday.
Interestingly, some county committees, such as those in Orange and Putnam, prioritise local races over deciding on an endorsement for the gubernatorial primary. Putnam County Chair Jennifer Colamonica emphasised the need for help in local races.
As the primary approaches, the race between Hochul and Delgado promises to be a closely watched contest, with both candidates seeking to win over the hearts and minds of New York Democrats.
- Politics in New York is heating up as the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary approaches, with war-and-conflicts arising between frontrunner Governor Kathy Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado over policy-and-legislation support.
- General news outlets have reported on the infrastructure of endorsements in the race, with Hochul receiving backing from 49 out of 62 county Democratic parties, while Delgado waits for significant endorsements.
- Infrastructure development, including rebuilding the state's aging infrastructure, is a concerning issue in the upcoming war-and-conflicts, with both candidates required to put forward opinions addressing this matter in their policy-and-legislation platforms for the approval of voters.
