NY Lieutenant Governor Urges Biden to Step Aside, Challenging Party Unity

New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has urged President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.

Delgado’s position places him at odds with Governor Kathy Hochul, a fervent advocate of Biden, who continues expressing unequivocal support.

While acknowledging Biden’s accomplishments, the lieutenant governor suggested it’s time for new leadership.

“He can add to his legacy, showing his strength and grace, by ending his campaign and making room for a new leader,” Delgado stated on social media platform X.

This development marks an important shift in New York’s Democratic landscape, with Delgado becoming the first statewide elected official to advocate for Biden’s withdrawal.

The announcement from Lt. Gov. Delgado aligns with sentiments expressed by Representative Pat Ryan and seven other Capitol Hill Democrats, who voiced their concerns following the president’s disastrous debate performance.

Governor Hochul, however, remains steadfast in her support for President Biden. 

Following a meeting at the White House last week, she affirmed, “We feel very confident in his abilities. We talked about the plan and how he’s going to be very focused on issues that matter to Americans.”

Governor Hochul’s spokesperson, Jen Goodman, reinforced this position, stating, “While Lieutenant Governor Delgado has the right to voice his opinion, Governor Hochul believes Democrats must come together, move forward as a united party, and focus on defeating Donald Trump in November.”

Delgado’s divergence from Hochul emerged just a week after the governor spoke of their strong collaboration, expressing her intention to maintain him as her running mate for her 2026 reelection campaign.

The discord within the New York Democratic leadership comes amid growing concerns about Biden’s popularity in the state, as recent polls indicate a tightening race. 

Nonetheless, Biden remains resolute in his campaign, emphasizing his determination in a letter to Capitol Hill lawmakers. 

“I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024,” Biden asserted.

The political rift is evident in Delgado’s recent initiatives, including establishing Voice PAC to support Democratic candidates in swing districts, signaling his independent stance within the state’s political hierarchy.

As the Democratic Party grapples with internal divisions, the coming months will likely be crucial in shaping the political landscape ahead of the next presidential election.