Hochul Confirms She Has Chosen a Running Mate, Keeps Name Under Wraps

New York Governor Kathy Hochul says she has selected her next lieutenant governor candidate, but the identity of her running mate remains undisclosed just days before the state Democratic Party’s nominating convention.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday during a press conference unrelated to the election, Hochul confirmed that she has made a final decision following weeks of speculation. However, she declined to reveal the name of her choice, saying the announcement will come before the end of the party convention scheduled for Friday in Syracuse.

“There has been one offer, and one acceptance,” Hochul said, pushing back against reports suggesting multiple candidates had turned down the position. She offered no further details, adding only that the public would learn the answer by the conclusion of the convention.

As recently as last week, the governor had indicated she was still weighing her options after conducting a broad vetting process. She had pledged to announce her pick ahead of the convention while maintaining that she was under no immediate pressure to decide.

Hochul’s campaign has not confirmed when or where the official announcement will take place, signaling a tightly controlled rollout following previous leaks during the selection process.

The governor’s comments immediately fueled renewed speculation within New York’s political circles. Several prominent figures have been mentioned in recent weeks, including Central Brooklyn Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and Secretary of State Walter Mosley. Cunningham posted publicly on Tuesday that he would attend the Syracuse convention, hinting that the outcome remains uncertain. None of the other potential contenders commented publicly.

Another name circulating among political observers is Robert Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, who has appeared on prior shortlists for the role. Some insiders, however, suggest Hochul may have chosen a less expected candidate, possibly from outside elected office, though no confirmation has emerged.

Whoever is selected will become Hochul’s third lieutenant governor pick since she assumed office in 2021. Her first appointee resigned within a year amid legal issues that were later resolved. Her current lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, is now challenging her in the Democratic primary, becoming her only declared intraparty opponent so far.

With the convention approaching, attention remains fixed on when—and how—the governor will finally reveal the name of her running mate.