Hochul’s LG pick is… still a mystery

Just days away from the state Democratic Party’s nominating convention, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she has finally landed on her new running mate, but she won’t reveal who it is just yet. 

Speaking at an unrelated event near Albany on Tuesday, Hochul told reporters she has made a final decision on who she will tap as her lieutenant governor candidate after weeks of speculation. As recently as last Wednesday, Hochul had said she was still considering her options after casting “a wide net” for her pre-vetting process to replace Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who is now running against her. 

She assured reporters last week she'd make an announcement before Friday's convention in Syracuse, but she also asserted she had plenty of time to make a decision. 

Although the governor informed interested New Yorkers that she finalized her choice, Hochul refused to say who that person is. “There has only been one offer made, and one person accepted,” the governor said, denying reports that several people had rejected an offer to be her running mate. Asked to elaborate, Hochul offered no additional details. “You will know all by the end of the convention on Friday,” she said.

The governor is expected to hold an event to reveal her running mate, but her campaign would not confirm when or where Hochul will make the announcement. Her campaign seems to keeping its cards very close to the vest, especially after previous leaks regarding the decision process.

The governor's proclamation Tuesday sent the New York political world buzzing with speculation. City & State reported last week that Central Brooklyn Assembly Member Brian Cunningham and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez were still in contention, and confirmed Secretary of State Walter Mosley had gone through vetting for the last several weeks. A source familiar with the process told City & State that Hochul did not choose Cunningham. He posted his schedule to X early Tuesday afternoon showing he'll be in Syracuse on Friday, teasing "I guess we will just have to wait and see." Cunningham will attend this week's convention as a party surrogate.

Mosley did not return a request for comment, although his name came up amid private speculation following Hochul's comment. More political observers suggested chatter that Hochul tapped Gonzalez, a rep for whom could not be reached for comment. 

Another name some politicos thought Hochul picked was Robert Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. He appeared on the governor’s lieutenant governor shortlists in the past, and has once again shown up in reports on Hochul’s current considerations. Rodriguez did not return a request for comment. 

Along with the usual suspects, some political observers have told City & State they have heard that Hochul has chosen someone totally unexpected who has not appeared in reports thus far. None have any direct knowledge of the governor’s choice, but one suggested Hochul has turned to the nonprofit sector for her new No. 2.

The governor's selection will mark Hochul's third lieutenant governor pick since she took office in 2021. Her first No. 2, Brian Benjamin, held the position for seven months – resigning after he was indicted on corruption charges. The case was dismissed and all charges against him were dropped.

Delgado, the governor's outgoing second-in-command, fractured their relationship after making a bid for her job last year. He is Hochul's sole Democratic challenger to date.