A day after signing legislation meant to allow Brian Benjamin to remove himself from the primary election ballot, Gov. Kathy Hochul picks Rep. Antonio Delgado for the role. (WSKG)
ALBANY, NY (WAMC) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is tapping Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-19) as her new lieutenant governor.
Delgado currently represents the 19th Congressional District, which includes the northern portion of the Catskills and Hudson Valley. He was first elected to the seat in 2018.
The announcement comes after Hochul signed legislation Monday to remove former Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin from this year’s ballot for the Democratic primary.
I am proud to announce I am appointing Congressman Antonio Delgado, an outstanding leader and public servant, as Lieutenant Governor of New York. I look forward to working with him to usher in a new era of fairness, equity, and prosperity for communities across the State.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 3, 2022
Benjamin resigned last month after being arrested on federal corruption charges, though denies wrongdoing.
In a statement, Hochul said Delgado has a proven track record and is the first person of color to represent upstate New York in Congress.
Delgado had been running for re-election against Republican Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.