Hochul’s Primary Challenger Selects Democratic Socialist with Past Arrest Record as Running Mate

In a bold political maneuver that has raised eyebrows across New York state, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has selected democratic socialist India Walton as his running mate in his primary challenge against Governor Kathy Hochul.

Delgado, who launched his gubernatorial bid last June, announced his selection on Wednesday, describing Walton as representing “exactly the kind of transformational and morally courageous leadership New Yorkers are hungry for.” The choice signals Delgado’s strategy to appeal to progressive voters as he challenges Hochul from the left.

“She has never been afraid to challenge the status quo, stand up to powerful interests, and put working families first,” Delgado said in his statement.

Walton is no stranger to political headlines. In 2021, she captured national attention by defeating incumbent Byron Brown in Buffalo’s Democratic mayoral primary, a victory that was heralded as evidence of the progressive movement’s growing influence. However, her general election campaign faltered when Brown mounted a successful write-in candidacy, ultimately defeating Walton by a significant margin.

The selection comes with potential baggage. During her mayoral campaign, Walton’s past legal and financial troubles became public knowledge. These included a 2014 arrest on a second-degree harassment charge, which she attributed to a disagreement with a fellow student at a children’s hospital. “When I politely told them I’d like to speak with them personally and handle the situation like adults, one claimed that they were threatened by me and feared for their life, despite the fact that I am 4’11” and was going on disability for surgery,” Walton explained at the time. The case was later dismissed.

Additional legal issues included a 2015 traffic citation for driving with a suspended license, a 2003 food stamp fraud case brought by Erie County Department of Social Services, and a 2004 tax warrant for unpaid back taxes that reportedly took five years to resolve.

Delgado’s decision to tap Walton may struggle to gain traction in a race where he already faces steep odds. According to the latest Siena University poll, Hochul maintains a commanding 53-point lead over her lieutenant governor in the Democratic primary contest.

Political analysts suggest the Walton announcement could be overshadowed by an expected endorsement later this week from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a fellow democratic socialist, who is reportedly set to back Governor Hochul. This would represent a significant exchange of political capital, as Hochul endorsed Mamdani in his mayoral race last September against former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

The Democratic state convention in Syracuse adds another layer of intrigue to the developing primary battle. Hochul confirmed this week that she has selected her own running mate but is holding the announcement until the end of the convention on Friday, building anticipation within party circles.

On the Republican side, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has emerged as the presumptive nominee following Rep. Elise Stefanik’s withdrawal from consideration. Blakeman received former President Donald Trump’s endorsement in December, consolidating Republican support behind his candidacy.

New York’s gubernatorial contest represents one of the more intriguing intra-party challenges of the current election cycle. Delgado’s decision to run against his own boss—and now to select a running mate with democratic socialist credentials and a complicated past—highlights the ongoing ideological tensions within the Democratic Party, particularly between its moderate and progressive wings.

As the primary campaign unfolds, political observers will be watching closely to see if Delgado’s progressive gambit can help him close the substantial gap with Hochul, who continues to enjoy broad support among New York Democrats despite challenges from her left flank.