ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado suspended his gubernatorial campaign on Tuesday, ending his challenge to Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is seeking a second term.
Delgado has been campaigning since last summer as Hochul’s progressive replacement. But after a week of frustration, he acknowledged that his No. 2’s highly unusual challenge to the governor was unrealistic.
“After careful consideration, I have concluded that there is simply no viable path forward,” Delgado said in a statement.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed Hochul on Thursday, giving the governor a high-profile endorsement from a new mayor with left-wing star power. Delgado failed to garner enough support to automatically advance to the Democratic primary at the state convention, meaning he had to circulate petitions.
Separately, the liberal Working Families Party declined to endorse Delgado.
New York Republicans are expected to nominate Bruce Blakeman, a county official in New York’s Long Island suburbs and an ally of President Donald Trump, for governor this week.
Hochul and Delgado had been feuding for months before Delgado announced his candidacy in June. He said New York needs more progressive, transformative leadership.
Delgado remains Hochul’s lieutenant governor, despite his broadside against her during the campaign. He said Tuesday that he will continue to serve as lieutenant governor and support Democrats.
“While my campaign is over, I fully intend to do everything in my power to work towards a more humane, affordable and equitable state that serves all New Yorkers,” he said.
Hochul named former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her replacement for lieutenant governor in the upcoming election.
