Antonio Delgado wins the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor

Lt. gov. Antonio Delgado has emerged victorious from the Democratic primary for the state’s No. 2 despite vigorous challenges from activist Ana Maria Archila and former councilwoman Diana Reyna.

Delgado had a 61% to 25% lead over the AOC-backed Archila when AP called the race just before 10pm. Reyna was far behind at 14%.

A key factor in his success was a multi-million dollar war chest, many times larger than the six figure sum Archila and Reyna had to spend on the race.

His victory also comes after the party establishment, organized labor and business interests rallied behind his candidacy following the ousting of his disgraced predecessor, Brian Benjamin.

Benjamin resigned in April following his federal arrest for alleged involvement in a bribery scheme related to his failed campaign for the city controller in 2019.

Delgado, a former congressman representing parts of the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, took office a month later.

He has vowed to be a LG taking the lead from Hochul, who was pushing lawmakers to pass legislation allowing Benjamin’s name to be removed from the primary ballot.

Archila, supported by the progressive Working Families Party, had lobbied to turn the office into a nationwide thug pulpit for left-wing causes, but ultimately failed.