Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado ends NY governor bid after Hochul nod

Delgado cites lack of 'viable path forward' after Hochul secures Democratic nomination

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado announced Tuesday that he is ending his campaign for governor of New York, citing the lack of a 'viable path forward' after Gov. Kathy Hochul secured the Democratic Party's nomination. Delgado said he will continue serving as New York's lieutenant governor, emphasizing that public service remains central to his work and personal values.

Why it matters

Delgado's withdrawal from the governor's race clears the way for Hochul to face off against Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman in the general election. This development comes as the Democratic Party seeks to unite against former President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Blakeman.

The details

Delgado had announced democratic socialist India Walton as his running mate, but Hochul's nomination would have forced Delgado to gather petitions in order to qualify for the ballot. In his statement, Delgado thanked his supporters, campaign staffers and volunteers, saying he did not make the decision to end his campaign lightly.

  • On February 10, 2026, Delgado announced he is ending his campaign for New York governor.
  • On February 6, 2026, Hochul received the Democratic Party's nomination for governor at a convention in Syracuse.

The players

Antonio Delgado

The current lieutenant governor of New York who had been running for the Democratic nomination for governor, but has now ended his campaign.

Kathy Hochul

The current governor of New York who secured the Democratic Party's nomination for governor, clearing the way for her to face off against the Republican challenger in the general election.

Bruce Blakeman

The Republican challenger for New York governor who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has endorsed the Republican challenger for New York governor, Bruce Blakeman.

India Walton

The democratic socialist who Delgado had announced as his running mate before ending his campaign for governor.

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What they’re saying

“Though my campaign has come to an end, I fully intend to do all I can in our effort to build a more humane, affordable and equitable state that serves all New Yorkers.”

— Antonio Delgado, Lieutenant Governor of New York (timesunion.com)

“It was the most unexpected and huge honor to be considered and brought into the team so seamlessly and with such care.”

— India Walton (timesunion.com)

“Donald Trump and Bruce Blakeman are united in their efforts to raise costs on working families, send masked ICE agents into our streets to terrorize innocent communities, and wage war on New York kids. Our party is now just as united to stop them.”

— Sarafina Chitika, Spokesperson, Kathy Hochul campaign (timesunion.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Delgado's withdrawal from the governor's race clears the way for a showdown between Hochul and Blakeman, with the Democratic Party united in its efforts to oppose the agenda of former President Trump and his endorsed candidate.