After differing with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul over the way forward for Mayor Eric Adams, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado mentioned Monday he will not run for re-election together with his boss.
Delgado mentioned he intends to complete out his time period, which can run till Jan. 2027. He additionally left the door open to run for different workplaces sooner or later, saying,” I am determined to be your voice in state government now and in the future. All options are on the table, and I will be exploring them.”
Earlier in February, Delgado mentioned Adams ought to step down amid controversy over how the Division of Justice determined to maneuver to dismiss his federal bribery case “without prejudice,” that means prosecutors may carry it once more at anytime.
“New York City deserves a Mayor accountable to the people, not beholden to the President. Mayor Adams should step down,” Delgado mentioned on the time.
Final week, Hochul, who has the constitutional energy to take away the mayor of New York Metropolis, mentioned she didn’t plan to take away him from workplace. The governor mentioned she as an alternative plans to work with the legislature and metropolis council to arrange guardrails or “checks” on Adams’ authority.
Adams has pleaded not responsible and denied any information of wrongdoing.
A spokesperson for the governor mentioned she had already begun in search of a brand new operating mate.
“Today, Antonio Delgado finally said out loud what has been obvious for quite some time: he is simply not interested in doing the job of the Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York,” Hochul Communications Director Anthony Hogrebe said in a statement. “Governor Hochul had already begun taking steps to identify a new running mate for 2026. We will also be reallocating responsibilities within the administration to ensure that important initiatives that had been within the Lieutenant Governor’s office are no longer neglected. Governor Hochul wishes him the best in his future endeavors.”
Delgado was appointed lieutenant governor by Hochul in 2022. Earlier than that, he served as a member of the U.S. Home of Representatives.
Delgado’s full assertion is right here:
“I’ve made the choice to not run for reelection with the Governor in 2026. I stay deeply dedicated to ending my full time period, as I used to be independently elected to do, by the individuals of New York.
“After I first made the choice to run for workplace after the 2016 presidential election. I did so as a result of I believed we wanted extra leaders in authorities keen to carry themselves accountable to the individuals – and solely the individuals. I imagine New Yorkers deserve this type of management now greater than ever.
“Serving the people of New York is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. I am determined to be your voice in state government now and in the future. All options are on the table, and I will be exploring them.”
— Antonio Delgado (@DelgadoforNY) February 24, 2025