Resolution criteria

The 2026 New York gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026. The Democratic primary will occur before the general election. The winner of the Democratic primary will be determined by the candidate receiving the most votes in the primary election. Results will be verified through official New York State Board of Elections records at https://www.elections.ny.gov/.

Background

Hochul has been considered vulnerable to a primary challenge due to low approval ratings, poor Democratic performances in the 2022 midterm elections in New York, and controversies surrounding her administration. Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado launched his campaign for the Democratic nomination on June 2, 2025, after months of reports about a fraying relationship between Delgado and the governor's office. Their relationship has devolved amid a broadening rift over the direction of the Democratic Party and deepening frustrations on Delgado's part about the scope of his role.

Hochul is the best-positioned candidate to win the Democratic primary, with polling showing her trouncing her announced and potential opponents. Democrats overwhelmingly favor Hochul (49%) over Lt. Gov. Delgado, with Hochul holding a 37-point lead over Delgado. Hochul has built up a substantial financial war chest, raising $4 million in the first half of 2025 with $17.5 million in cash on hand.