Delgado advocates for comprehensive health care, while distancing his political stance from Hochul
New York Gubernatorial Candidate Delgado Proposes Bold, Progressive Agenda
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has announced his gubernatorial campaign, promising a more progressive and daring leadership vision compared to Governor Kathy Hochul's administration. Delgado's platform emphasizes transformative policies on universal child care, health care, minimum wage, and housing, though specific detailed policy proposals are less spelled out in the available sources.
Delgado positions himself as a champion for universal child care, advocating for comprehensive reforms that go beyond what Hochul is currently advancing. He has pledged to invest $12.7 billion in state funding to achieve this goal, a significant increase from the current budget's allocation.
On health care, Delgado has shown support for home care workers and programs such as the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). He criticizes the current state of leadership and suggests a need for stronger commitments to health care programs that better serve New Yorkers.
Regarding minimum wage, while explicit minimum wage proposals are not detailed in the sources, Delgado's emphasis on affordability and willingness to take bold positions suggests he would likely support more aggressive measures on wage increases.
Delgado has also proposed increasing funding for the Housing Voucher Access Program from the current budget's $50 million to $250 million.
In terms of leadership style, Delgado has publicly broken with Hochul on several fronts, including calling for President Joe Biden to step aside and Mayor Adams' resignation, highlighting his readiness to take politically risky stances. He critiques Hochul for a more cautious, self-preserving leadership style versus his call for bold vision and mission-driven governance dedicated to all New Yorkers.
Delgado has also signaled a different approach to political endorsements and coalition building, such as endorsing left-leaning candidates to push for real affordability changes — contrasting with Hochul’s broader centrist and establishment ties.
However, more specific policy details from Delgado’s platform are not yet fully documented, and it remains to be seen how these proposals will be funded and implemented. Delgado's first event since launching his campaign focused on charting a left-wing platform for the gubernatorial race, aiming to highlight the differences between his vision and Hochul's for New York.
Despite the rift between them, Delgado remains part of Hochul's administration. More than 200 of Delgado's supporters, including Democratic county chairs from Greene, Otsego, and Schoharie counties, attended his speech. These county chairs have not yet committed to backing Hochul for reelection.
Delgado identifies as a capitalist and emphasizes universal child care and a permanent fund to support child care workers' wages as priorities. He has also suggested raising the annual income limit for the Essential Plan from the current $47,000 and called for the statewide minimum wage to be raised to $22. Delgado believes that bold, decisive leadership is needed to right New York's ship and that his independent election as lieutenant governor sets him apart from the current administration.
As the gubernatorial race heats up, Delgado's campaign promises to bring a more transformative approach to social support systems like child care, health care, and wages, challenging political norms and promising to make a real difference for New Yorkers.
- Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado's gubernatorial campaign highlights a promising vision of progressive leadership, contrasting with Governor Kathy Hochul's administration.
- Delgado aims to invest $12.7 billion in state funding for universal child care, a significant increase from the current budget's allocation.
- In health care, Delgado supports home care workers and programs like the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP).
- Delgado advocates for stronger commitments to health care programs, critiquing the current leadership.
- Regarding minimum wage, Delgado, with his emphasis on affordability, might support more aggressive measures for wage increases.
- Delgado has proposed a considerable increase in funding for the Housing Voucher Access Program.
- Delgado's approach to political endorsements showcases a left-leaning stance, contrasting with Hochul’s broader centrist and establishment ties, raising questions about funding and implementation of his proposed policies.
