Progressive grassroots leaders rally behind Delgado’s vision for healthcare and economic justice

New York, NY — Today, the New York Progressive Action Network (NYPAN), one of the state’s longest-standing grassroots progressive organizations, officially endorsed Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado for Governor of New York. The endorsement was announced at a press conference in Lower Manhattan with NYPAN leaders, members, and community advocates.

Founded a decade ago, NYPAN has played a central role in mobilizing communities across New York to advance progressive change — particularly in the fight for healthcare justice and policies that put people before profit. The organization has been a leading advocate for the New York Health Act, which would guarantee comprehensive healthcare coverage for all New Yorkers regardless of income, employment, or zip code.

The endorsement comes amid growing concern over access to healthcare in New York City, particularly in Lower Manhattan following the closure of Beth Israel Hospital last year. The shutdown eliminated a critical healthcare resource for the East Village and surrounding communities, leaving the area with fewer than one hospital bed per 100,000 residents and raising broader questions about equity, accountability, and consolidation within the state’s healthcare system.

“I’m honored to earn the endorsement of the New York Progressive Action Network — an organization that has never stopped fighting for the well-being and dignity of everyday New Yorkers,” said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “NYPAN understands that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege, and that government has a responsibility to protect communities when systems fail them. I’m proud to stand with them as we work to build a New York where access to care, affordability, and dignity are guaranteed for everyone.”

“The last two elections – Harris’ defeat in a very winnable race where millions of Democrats stayed home and Zohran’s victory marked by record turnouts – proved that it is not enough just to run on a message that you are better than your opponent. Successful candidates have to motivate voters by showing how you will make their lives better and that you are committed to your proposals,” said George Albro, Co-Chair of NYPAN. “Antonio Delgado has that positive vision and message: he is committed to life and death legislation like the NY Health Act, which will guarantee to all NYers healthcare for their entire life. He is also dedicated to bringing tax fairness to our State by making the billionaires pay their fair share and by resurrecting the Stock Transfer Tax, which can raise billions to partially fill the budget hole caused by the GOP ‘s disastrous federal tax cuts. Delgado is by far NYPAN’s type of candidate and we heartily have endorsed him.”

“Antonio Delgado has shown time and again that he puts people first. At a moment when communities across New York will be facing healthcare cuts and hospital closures, New York needs a governor who is not afraid to stand up to Trump and fight for our state,” said Maria Ordoñez, Political Director of NYPAN. “NYPAN is proud to endorse Antonio Delgado because he shares our commitment for universal healthcare, affordability, and a government that works for everyday New Yorkers.” 

NYPAN’s endorsement adds to a growing coalition of grassroots, labor, disability rights, climate, and community organizations supporting Delgado’s campaign. Delgado’s platform centers on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, expanding access to healthcare, housing, and childcare, and reforming entrenched systems of power to ensure government works for the people it serves.

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