You’d think after the nail-biting 2022 election, New York politics would take a breather. Honestly, it hasn’t. We are already staring down the barrel of the next cycle, and if you’re asking who is running for ny governor 2026, the answer is a lot more complicated than just a repeat of the last time around.
The political vibe in Albany is, well, tense. Governor Kathy Hochul is technically the person to beat, but she’s not exactly coasting. Between a surprising primary challenge from within her own ranks and a Republican field that feels energized by national shifts, the 2026 race is shaping up to be a total brawl. It's not just about blue vs. red anymore; it’s about whether the "Establishment" in New York can actually hold the line.
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The Democratic Civil War: Hochul vs. Delgado
Let's get into the most awkward part of this race. Usually, a Lieutenant Governor is like a backup quarterback—they stay on the sidelines and cheer for the starter. Not this time. Antonio Delgado, the current Lieutenant Governor, basically threw a grenade into the room when he announced he was primarying his own boss.
It’s kinda wild. Delgado launched his campaign back in June 2025, and he hasn’t been quiet about why. He’s been hitting Hochul on the "cost of living" crisis, arguing that the state isn't doing enough for the working class. He’s positioned himself as the guy who wants to tax the ultra-wealthy to fund social programs, a move that definitely appeals to the progressive wing of the party that never really warmed up to Hochul.
Kathy Hochul, for her part, is leaning into her incumbency. She’s got a massive war chest—we’re talking over $17 million in cash on hand as of late 2025. She’s the first woman elected governor of New York, and she’s trying to use that history to keep the party united. But when your own second-in-command says you’re not doing the job? That’s a tough look.
The Republican Side: Who’s Filling the Zeldin Gap?
For a minute there, everyone thought Elise Stefanik was going to be the GOP savior. She’s got the national profile and the Trump endorsement, which usually carries a lot of weight. But in a move that shocked a lot of folks in December 2025, she dropped out. She mentioned family reasons and wanting to focus on her son, which essentially left a massive power vacuum in the New York Republican Party.
So, who stepped in?
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Bruce Blakeman. If you live on Long Island, you know exactly who he is. The Nassau County Executive jumped in almost immediately after Stefanik stepped aside. He’s already grabbed an endorsement from Donald Trump, which makes him the immediate frontrunner for the GOP nomination. Blakeman has spent the last couple of years leaning hard into culture war issues—like his high-profile ban on trans athletes in county facilities—which tells you exactly how he plans to run.
Why Mike Lawler Isn't In the Mix (For Now)
A lot of people were betting on Congressman Mike Lawler. He’s seen as a more "moderate" Republican who can actually win in the suburbs. But Lawler explicitly announced in July 2025 that he’s passing on the governor’s mansion to seek re-election to the House. He’s young, though. He might just be waiting for a more favorable year or a cleaner shot.
The Andrew Cuomo Question
You can't talk about New York politics without mentioning the guy who used to run the show. Andrew Cuomo has been hovering on the edges of every major race since he resigned in 2021. There’s always a rumor. "He’s running for Mayor of NYC." "He’s making a comeback for Governor."
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As of right now, there is no official campaign for 2026. However, his name still appears in the polls because, frankly, some New Yorkers miss his "strongman" style of governance, despite the scandals. If the Democratic primary between Hochul and Delgado gets too nasty, don’t be surprised if the Cuomo rumors start flying again. He’s got the money and the ego to try a comeback, but the path is incredibly narrow.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Election
People assume New York is "Deep Blue" and therefore the governor’s race is a foregone conclusion. That’s a mistake. Lee Zeldin proved in 2022 that a Republican can get within single digits by focusing on crime and the economy.
When you look at who is running for ny governor 2026, you have to look at the "Someone Else" factor. In a Siena College poll from mid-2025, over 50% of voters said they’d prefer "someone else" over Hochul. That doesn't mean they want a Republican, but it does mean they are restless.
The race will likely come down to three major themes:
- Affordability: New York is becoming impossible for the middle class.
- Crime and Safety: Still a massive talking point in the city and the suburbs.
- The Trump Effect: How much does the national political climate bleed into Albany?
The Current Candidate List (The Short Version)
Since things change fast, here is the basic lineup of who has actually filed or is actively campaigning as we head into the primary season:
- Kathy Hochul (Democrat): The incumbent. Focus: Stability, reproductive rights, and infrastructure.
- Antonio Delgado (Democrat): The challenger. Focus: Economic reform and progressive tax policy.
- Bruce Blakeman (Republican): The frontrunner. Focus: Parent rights, law and order, and anti-woke policy.
- Jean Anglade (Democrat): A perennial candidate who has filed paperwork but lacks major party backing.
- David Tulley (Independent/Cannabis Party): Running on a platform centered around the state's messy rollout of legal marijuana.
Actionable Steps for New York Voters
If you want to stay on top of this, don't wait until November 2026. The real action in New York happens in the primaries.
- Check Your Enrollment: Remember, New York has "closed" primaries. If you want to vote for Delgado or Hochul, you must be a registered Democrat. If you want to vote for Blakeman, you must be a Republican.
- Track the Fundraising: Money doesn't always win, but in a state as big as NY, it buys the TV ads that move the needle. Watch the January and July filings.
- Follow Local Turnout: Keep an eye on the 2025 local elections. They usually signal which way the wind is blowing for the big 2026 showdown.
This race is going to be expensive, loud, and probably a little bit mean. But with the state's budget and the future of the MTA on the line, it's easily the most important thing happening in New York for the next two years.