New York State Democrats Elect Governor Hochul as Party's Nominee for 2026 Election
In a show of unity and support, convention delegates at the Democratic Party's statewide ticket convention on Friday elected Governor Kathy Hochul as their nominee for the 2026 election. The governor, who will be seeking her second full term in office, argued that she deserves re-election to push back against President Donald Trump's policies and continue initiatives she has already enacted.
During her lengthy speech, Hochul emphasized the importance of achieving a better New York and ensuring everyone has access to opportunities. She also pointed to several key policy proposals, including expanding child tax credits and banning cellphones in schools. The governor is currently pushing for a $260 billion budget that does not raise income taxes, as well as new laws to restrict federal immigration enforcement.
The nomination was largely unopposed, with Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado failing to receive the necessary 25% of weighted votes needed to secure a spot on the June primary ballot. Despite this, Delgado vowed to continue his primary challenge and circulate nominating petitions.
Hochul's running mate, former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, was also announced during the convention. The two women are both political moderates but will be facing criticism from progressive candidates who have expressed concerns about Hochul's stance on taxation of the wealthy.
The Democratic Party's nomination for governor marks a significant moment in the 2026 election, with Republicans set to hold their own convention next week. GOP leaders have rallied behind Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman after U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik ended her bid in December.
Hochul has stated that winning back seats in the US House is just as important for the party as her own election, citing her poor 2022 electoral performance in the state as a contributing factor to Republican gains. In her closing remarks, Hochul famously declared, "You don't want to mess with the bad-ass women of New York."
In a show of unity and support, convention delegates at the Democratic Party's statewide ticket convention on Friday elected Governor Kathy Hochul as their nominee for the 2026 election. The governor, who will be seeking her second full term in office, argued that she deserves re-election to push back against President Donald Trump's policies and continue initiatives she has already enacted.
During her lengthy speech, Hochul emphasized the importance of achieving a better New York and ensuring everyone has access to opportunities. She also pointed to several key policy proposals, including expanding child tax credits and banning cellphones in schools. The governor is currently pushing for a $260 billion budget that does not raise income taxes, as well as new laws to restrict federal immigration enforcement.
The nomination was largely unopposed, with Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado failing to receive the necessary 25% of weighted votes needed to secure a spot on the June primary ballot. Despite this, Delgado vowed to continue his primary challenge and circulate nominating petitions.
Hochul's running mate, former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, was also announced during the convention. The two women are both political moderates but will be facing criticism from progressive candidates who have expressed concerns about Hochul's stance on taxation of the wealthy.
The Democratic Party's nomination for governor marks a significant moment in the 2026 election, with Republicans set to hold their own convention next week. GOP leaders have rallied behind Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman after U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik ended her bid in December.
Hochul has stated that winning back seats in the US House is just as important for the party as her own election, citing her poor 2022 electoral performance in the state as a contributing factor to Republican gains. In her closing remarks, Hochul famously declared, "You don't want to mess with the bad-ass women of New York."