Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado’s resolution to run in opposition to his boss — Gov. Kathy Hochul — is being met with frustration and even derision by a few of his former colleagues on Capitol Hill.
“Nice future. Mistaken place, mistaken time,” Rep. Adriano Espaillat informed Spectrum Information NY1.
“I do not suppose it is a good transfer,” Rep. Gregory Meeks mentioned. “Simply the other, fairly frankly.”
“Delgado who?” Rep. Nydia Velazquez responded, when requested if he needs to be entering into the race.
What You Want To Know
- This week, Lt. Gov. Anthonio Delgado, who beforehand served as a member of the U.S. Home of Representatives between 2019 and 2022, announced he would primary Gov. Kathy Hochul
- A number of New York Democrats on Capitol Hill derided Delgado’s announcement and made clear they’re backing Hochul’s reelection, praising her management and warning that the stakes are too excessive for a protracted major
- Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries mentioned he’ll weigh in on the governor’s race after the New York Metropolis mayoral major is resolved. However he then proceeded to heap reward on Hochul
- Responding to the suggestions from Capitol Hill, a spokesperson for the Delgado marketing campaign, mentioned, “Kathy Hochul price Democrats 5 seats in Congress the final time she was on the highest of the ticket”
Earlier this week, Delgado, who beforehand served alongside most of the present members of the New York congressional delegation as a member of the U.S. Home of Representatives for 3.5 years between 2019 and 2022, announced he would primary Hochul.
Many New York Democrats on Capitol Hill made it clear they’re backing Hochul’s reelection, praising her management and warning that the stakes are too excessive for a protracted major.
“Our focus — and everyone’s focus — needs to be on Donald J. Trump and successful the Home again,” Meeks mentioned. “I’d hope that that will have been the lieutenant governor’s focus additionally. Sadly, it is not.”
Two Democrats representing aggressive districts, the place Hochul has confronted some political headwinds lately — Hudson Valley Rep. Pat Ryan and Syracuse-area Rep. John Mannion — each praised the governor.
“In my district, the governor has been delivering on the important thing points: affordability, housing, defending our water provide,” Ryan mentioned. “I feel it is vital for folk to know that.”
“Gov. Hochul has actually prioritized jobs and financial growth in upstate New York, and I have been proud to companion together with her alongside these traces since she grew to become governor,” Mannion mentioned.
Whereas Ryan has introduced his assist for Hochul in mild of Delgado’s entrance into the race, Mannion stopped wanting an endorsement, saying, “Let’s have a look at what the following few months carry.”
One other swing district lawmaker, Rep. Josh Riley, sidestepped the first problem altogether.
In an announcement to Spectrum Information NY1, he mentioned, “I’m targeted on the job I used to be despatched right here to do. I’ll let the Albany political class fear about who’s up and who’s down in an election that’s 18 months away.”
Notably, when requested about Delgado’s major bid, the person who may change into Home speaker after the 2026 elections if Democrats flip the Home — Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries — mentioned he’ll weigh in on the governor’s race after the New York Metropolis mayoral major is resolved.
However he then heaped reward on the governor, saying, “She simply delivered a transformational price range that’s going to decrease prices for New York residents, hold us safer, and lays down a basis for a extra affluent future in New York.”
Another Democrats who spoke with Spectrum Information NY1, together with Rep. Yvette Clarke, indicated they might maintain off on commenting till that they had an opportunity to talk with Delgado.
Responding to the suggestions from Capitol Hill, Steven Ileka, a spokesperson for the Delgado marketing campaign, mentioned, “Kathy Hochul price Democrats 5 seats in Congress the final time she was on the highest of the ticket. We are able to faux that one thing magical has modified — identical to so many pretended President Biden was a powerful candidate — however when a majority of New Yorkers say they need another person to run for Governor, it will be good to hearken to them.”
“At a time when New Yorkers are demanding change, Antonio Delgado is the one candidate who can energize New Yorkers and mobilize new voters in key swing districts,” he continued.
After the 2022 election, when Hochul gained statewide by single digits, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi cast the governor as a drag on Democrats within the state’s swing districts.
By 2024, Hochul had teamed up with Jeffries and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand to lead a new statewide coordinated campaign initiative, which was credited with serving to reverse these losses.
Spectrum Information producer Melody Kloepfer contributed to this report.
