NEW YORK CITY — After months of rumors there was a growing rift between New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and her handpicked Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, it was all seemingly confirmed this week after Hochul announced she had Delgado’s office moved from the floor they shared, and his duties reassigned.
On Monday, Delgado released a statement announcing he had no plans to be on the 2026 ticket with Hochul, leading to speculation Delgado might challenge Hochul in 2026. On the next day, Delgado hinted at challenging Hochul in the 2026 primary when he filed a new campaign committee with the state Board of Elections.
By Wednesday, Delgado’s office was moved away from Hochul and some of his duties, as well as his staff, were reassigned at Hochul’s request.
Differences between Hochul and Delgado began to surface last year when Hochul, a known Biden ally, supported Biden’s initial decision to run despite calls for him to drop out of the 2024 presidential race. Delgado also got ahead of Hochul earlier this month when he said he believed embattled NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted on federal corruption charges, should resign from office. Hochul was still deciding Adams’ fate before ultimately choosing to allow him to carry out the rest of his term while limiting his powers. Delgado also publicly declined to endorse Hochul earlier this month.
More on the feud between Hochul and Delgado.
