Delgado advocates for universal healthcare while distancing himself from Hochul's policies
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado is making waves in New York politics with his recently unveiled gubernatorial platform, which marks a distinct shift from the current administration led by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The Democratic county chairs from Greene, Otsego, and Schoharie counties, who have yet to commit to backing Gov. Hochul for reelection, joined Delgado at a recent event, signalling a growing interest in Delgado's vision for the state.
Delgado's platform emphasizes a progressive approach, targeting the more left-wing Democratic base, including the recent NYC mayoral primary winner Zohran Mamdani's progressive movement. He supports taxing the rich and the New York For All Act, which prohibits local officials from cooperating with ICE on immigration enforcement, a more expansive stance than Hochul’s current policies.
One of the key policy differences between Delgado and Hochul concerns the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). Delgado has called for termination of the contract with Public Partnerships, LLC (PPL) due to payroll failures affecting home care workers, while Hochul continues to defend the contract with PPL.
Delgado also believes in raising the annual income limit for the Essential Plan from the current $47,000 and advocates for a statewide minimum wage of $22. His proposed platform also includes universal health care, similar to the New York Health Act, and a focus on universal child care and a permanent fund to support child care workers' wages.
In terms of housing, Delgado thinks the Housing Voucher Access Program, included in this year's budget by Gov. Hochul at the last minute, should have received $250 million instead of $50 million. He has proposed a $200 million increase in funding for the program.
Delgado plans to tour the state during his campaign to highlight the differences between his vision for New York and that of Gov. Hochul. He considers himself distinct from Hochul and wants people to understand his vision for New York beyond just his name.
Gov. Hochul, on the other hand, holds a more centrist or establishment Democratic position relative to Delgado’s left-wing progressive tilt. She has raised a substantial war chest for the 2026 campaign, indicating an incumbent advantage and broader party establishment support. However, she has faced criticism from Delgado for her leadership style and policy decisions, positioning himself as a candidate for change and reform across the state.
As of now, Delgado has not yet called for the passage of any specific legislation other than increased funding for the Housing Voucher Access Program. There is a rift between Delgado and Hochul, as evidenced by their lack of communication about scheduling and policy. The estimated cost for universal health care under Delgado’s plan is $160 billion, while his policy ideas for universal child care could cost an estimated $12.7 billion.
[1] [Source for the first paragraph] [2] [Source for the second and third paragraphs] [3] [Source for the fourth and fifth paragraphs] [4] [Source for the sixth and seventh paragraphs]
- Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado's gubernatorial platform, catering to the progressive Democratic base, includes a focus on taxing the rich, supporting the New York For All Act, and terminating the contract with Public Partnerships, LLC (PPL), as seen in references [2] and [3].
- In terms of housing, Delgado advocates for a $200 million increase in funding for the Housing Voucher Access Program, which he believes should have received $250 million instead of $50 million, as stated in [3].
- Delgado's platform entails universal health care, similar to the New York Health Act, and a focus on universal child care, with estimated costs of $160 billion for universal health care and $12.7 billion for universal child care, according to [4].
- Delgado's vision for New York includes a statewide minimum wage of $22 and raising the annual income limit for the Essential Plan, as shown in [3].
- Gov. Hochul, in comparison, holds a more centrist position contrasting Delgado’s left-wing progressive tilt, with her leadership style and policy decisions becoming a subject of criticism from Delgado, as mentioned in [4].
