By: Anne M. McCabe, Delmar

Gov. Kathy Hochul asked then-Congressman Antonio Delgado to be her lieutenant governor in 2022. At the time, Hochul assured Delgado that he would have an active executive role. However, Delgado remained backstage until his recent announcement that he would not seek re-election but would instead run for governor. In Columbia County in August, Delgado presented the concerns for the state and the country that prompted him to oppose Hochul.

New York state politics, as Delgado perceived from inside the executive branch, appeared to focus on preserving one’s political career first and other considerations later. The very idea of flirting with nuclear reactors and their waste was an example of executive thinking that flew in the face of prior clean air efforts to protect citizens and their environment. The fumbling attempts to mitigate the unconstitutional conduct on the part of a would-be king underscore the need to replace a governor apparently putting her career first.

Delgado is not speaking out to move his career ahead; Delgado risks his political career, openly stating that the state can do more in the face of President Donald Trump’s apparent need to weaken the power of citizens. Delgado remains a reasonable man who cares about people, the environment, and the Constitution. He gets my vote.

Published Sept. 22, 2025