New York Gov. Antonio Delgado launched a major Democratic challenge against Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday, saying in a video declaring the state needs “bold, decisive, transformative leadership.”

"Let's not figure out what we're fighting for. We believe in facts, truths, freedoms, the rule of law and justice for all." "Listen, strong and connected people have champions. I'm running for governor to be your champion."

Delgado doesn't mention Hochul in the video. “People are getting hurt and New York deserves better leadership,” he told the New York Times.

Hochul chose Delgado as lieutenant and was after the then-LT in May 2022. Gov. Brian Benjamin was arrested on charges related to campaign financial fraud. Delgado pushes speculation that when he announced in February that he would not be Hochul's campaign companion, who could challenge Hochul.

Delgado and Hochul have some compelling differences, including Delgado calling on President Joe Biden to end his 2024 reelection and say New York City Mayor Eric Adams should Resign.

Delgado was first elected to the House in 2018, winning a crowded primary that year and defeated Republican Rep. John Faso in a competitive area in the Hudson Valley.

Delgado may face a tough game with the current governor, who has begun building her own campaign, reporting nearly $15.5 million in her campaign account as of January 15. Hochul also defended against two major challengers in 2022, easily defeating New York City public advocate Jumaane Williams and Rep. Tom Suozzi.

Suozzi posted on X, Delgado is “a talented person with a bright future”, but “based on my experience, this may not be the most imagined idea!”

Meghan Meehan-Draper, executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, said in a statement that the DGA “lagged behind Governor Hawkel, who continued to serve New York, succeeded Donald Trump and established an action that would defeat Republicans in 2026.”

"Governor Hawkel has been underrated for years - every time she proves her critics are wrong," Meehan-Draper said.

Despite Democrats, Republicans see New York as a possible pick-up opportunity next year. New York turned to Donald Trump last year, when Trump made more profits in other blue states than any other state. But it's still a tough climb for Republicans, as Trump still lost 13 points last year.

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Elise Stefanik have been considering running for governor.

Stefanik said in a statement that Hawkel's "her hand-picked lieutenant is now her primary lieutenant governor, which shows that she has lost not only the support of Republicans and independents, but also the support of Democratic New Yorkers."

“It’s time for new leaders to save New York from the catastrophic failed policies of a single Democratic rule over decades,” she added.

"It must be defeated in 2026 and replaced by a Republican governor who can restore balance and common sense to Albany," Lawler wrote on X.