What Lt. Gov Antonio Delgado had to say in first fiery remarks after splitting with Hochul

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado issued strong words about “leadership” and “power” in a fiery speech just a day after he announced he wouldn’t run with Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026 as the Hudson Valley Dem considers his next move.

“There are a lot of folks in politics who wake up every single day thinking about everything but the damn people,” Delgado told a packed room full of a few dozen Democrats in Schenectady Tuesday night.

“They’re thinking about holding onto power. They’re thinking about whoever’s putting money in their pockets in the donor class and they’re thinking about special interest groups, some type of lobby who has access to their power. They’re thinking about party, and who’s in charge in the party. Who’s going to do what? No one’s thinking about the damn people,” Delgado boomed.

While the former congressman later told reporters he was “not speaking on anybody else,” his remarks’ overtones couldn’t help but sound like they were being levied at Hochul.

“You’re not out there, doing this, figuring out which way the wind is blowing,” Delgado said with a finger held in the air. 

“You’re not out there poll testing, figuring out what others think, that’s not leadership, that’s reacting. That’s trying to navigate, triangulate and figure out how to survive in the name of holding onto power,” he added.

Delgado, who was born and raised in Schenectady, gave the remarks at a party celebrating the reelection of incumbent Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Schenectady). 

Hochul did not call one Delgado to resign when asked earlier Tuesday.

“It is clear to me that he’s not happy being lieutenant governor but I wish him well whatever he chooses to do,” Hochul said.

The governor’s comment follows a blistering statement from her communications director last night accusing Delgado of neglecting “responsibilities” as LG. 

When asked, Delgado told reporters he’s not going to resign.