India Walton to be Antonio Delgado's Running Mate in NY Democratic Primary

The partnership would become the state's first all-Black governor and lieutenant governor ticket.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has announced that India Walton, an activist and nurse from Buffalo, will be his running mate in the New York gubernatorial Democratic primary. Delgado praised Walton's transformational leadership and commitment to putting working families first, stating they will work to make New York more affordable by taxing the wealthy to fund universal childcare, healthcare, and housing.

Why it matters

This announcement marks a historic moment for New York politics, as Delgado and Walton would become the state's first all-Black governor and lieutenant governor ticket. Their progressive policy platform, including taxing the rich to fund key social programs, represents a significant shift from the status quo.

The details

Walton, who previously won the mayoral primary in Buffalo in 2021, has a long history of community activism and advocacy for reforms around healthcare access, tax fairness, and immigration protections. She has also served as the lead organizer in Western New York on the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. Delgado praised Walton's courage in challenging the status quo and putting working families first.

  • On February 4, 2026, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado announced that India Walton would be his running mate in the New York gubernatorial Democratic primary.

The players

Antonio Delgado

The current Lieutenant Governor of New York who is running for governor in the Democratic primary.

India Walton

An activist and nurse from Buffalo, New York who will be Delgado's running mate in the Democratic primary.

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York who is expected to announce her own running mate soon.

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What they’re saying

“India Walton represents exactly the kind of transformational and morally courageous leadership New Yorkers are hungry for. She has never been afraid to challenge the status quo, stand up to powerful interests, and put working families first. Together, we're building a movement that's about affordability, dignity, and delivering real results, including taxing the rich to finally fund universal childcare, universal healthcare, and housing as a human right. New York works best when government works for the people, not the powerful.”

— Antonio Delgado, Lieutenant Governor (mytwintiers.com)

“I am humbled and honored to join Lt. Governor Delgado in pursuit of championing a more affordable, equitable, and just New York. New Yorkers deserve leadership that puts them first and that is what this campaign embodies. I have never shied away from bold ideas and I am excited to partner with someone who displays that same courage. Together, Lt. Governor Delgado and I will deliver on the promise that all New Yorkers are cared for by finally passing NY4All, the NY Health Act, and taxing the rich.”

— India Walton (mytwintiers.com)

What’s next

Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to announce her own running mate for the Democratic primary soon.

The takeaway

This historic partnership between Delgado and Walton represents a significant shift in New York politics, with a progressive policy platform focused on making the state more affordable and equitable for working families by taxing the wealthy. Their all-Black ticket also marks an important milestone for diversity in the state's highest elected offices.