New York — In a private fundraising dinner attended by prominent members of New York’s South Asian community, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado delivered an approximately 17-minute speech that served as a pointed critique of Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, while sharing his personal story and vision for the state. The event, hosted by community leader Farah, highlighted Delgado’s grassroots efforts to build support as he challenges Hochul in the 2026 Democratic primary for governor—a campaign he officially launched in June 2025.
Antonio Ramon Delgado (born January 28, 1977) is an American attorney and politician serving as the lieutenant governor of New York since 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, Delgado served as the U.S. representative from New York’s 19th congressional district from 2019 to 2022. He is the first African–American and first person of Latino descent to be elected to Congress from Upstate New York[1] as well as the first Latino to hold statewide office in New York
Farah, the host, introduced Delgado enthusiastically, drawing parallels to past community-backed successes and contrasting him with Hochul:
“He’s not backed by millionaires and whatever else. And he’s not the chosen one like Kathy Hochul. We’re going to make him the chosen one. And that’s why we are here. We did this with Zohran, which was impossible… At that time, I was supporting Zohran… I have confidence in him, I have faith in him… It’s a good sign… I was really blown away by his demeanor and personality. It didn’t feel like talking to the lieutenant governor—he’s just one of us.
“I organized this dinner because I trust you guys… You are close to my heart, and I know you won’t let me or Antonio down.
Delgado began by thanking Farah and expressing how her support inspires him amid the challenges of running against the incumbent:
“I want to thank Farah your passion and commitment are so inspiring to me. It’s not easy challenging the machine; it can get lonely. I have a great support system—my wife, 12-year-old identical twin boys, my parents, my brother—but they’re family and will always support me. When community members like you bond over a shared belief that we can make a real difference, it’s affirming. I carry that with me because there’s doubt out there too. You have to train your mind, heart, and spirit for a higher purpose, seeing signs from God. You are definitely a sign to keep going, keep pushing.
“I started from humble beginnings in a working-class family. My parents worked at General Electric in a time when hard work was rewarded with middle-class opportunities. We lived in small apartments, tough neighborhoods, cutting coupons, layaway clothes—I was a latch-key kid. By high school freshman year, we bought our first house. I’ll never forget: My dad woke me up, took me to the plot of land on a hot day, put his arm around me, and said, ‘Son, we’re going to build a house here. This is where hard work gets you.’ His pride meant everything to me. It drives me to recreate those moments for families trying to better their lives.
“Now, as a working dad with law school debt, twin boys, childcare struggles, and a wife who’s a documentary filmmaker (not lucrative), we live these challenges daily. We understand empathy for what it takes to create change.
“When I ran for lieutenant governor, I thought I was joining an administration focused on people over profit and politics. The previous LG had resigned over corruption six weeks before the election. I was in my second Congress term, just re-elected by 12 points, outperforming Biden by 10, winning Trump counties as the first Democrat and person of color in upstate districts—90% white areas. I won because I connected with love and delivered: 10 bills signed in my first term (through Republican Senate), helping small businesses, veterans, farmers; another 8 in the second.
“The governor sought me for a statewide run. I told her I wanted to be a true partner, not just fit in. I was given assurances, but they never materialized. Some leaders want real partnerships; others see the public as tools for their own ends—transactional. Follow the money to see outcomes. I’ve seen this governance from behind the walls—in healthcare, housing, education. Lack of community partnerships leaves people behind.
“In home care, fast-tracking a contract to private equity firm PPL, abandoning local, culturally competent providers—that’s the mindset. They claim it cleaned up fraud, but fraud and wage theft allegations are now. I shadowed a woman in Buffalo; she’s more stressed tracking care than receiving it. Commodifying care like this. I’ve called for terminating the PPL contract and restoring local community care with integrity.
“It’s the entire system’s integrity: licensing, childcare access, affordable housing, education. Transactional outcomes over quality for all. Bring communities and experts to the table, not just connected insiders without substance.
“Two out of five households can’t afford basics. And for immigrant communities like us here—what is New York doing to protect us? Nothing. Bills the governor refuses to sign: New York for All, banning 287(g) agreements with ICE, representation in deportation proceedings, banning masked ICE agents. She’s afraid of political blowback, lacking moral compulsion. Communities gave her power to protect them, but she’s running from it.
“We’re at an inflection point—new leaders emerging in NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany. Younger, bolder. But we need a new executive in Albany to harness this energy. Not one who tiptoes or survives—we need one who embraces it, says ‘Bring it.’
“Thank you for being in my corner. Your financial support means everything—it’s a fight. I don’t take corporate PAC money because I’m for the people.”
This event underscores Delgado’s ongoing criticism of Hochul’s policies, particularly the controversial transition of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) to PPL, which has faced allegations of wage theft, fraud, and reduced access to culturally competent care. Delgado has repeatedly called for terminating the PPL contract, aligning with advocates amid ongoing issues in the $9 billion program. As the 2026 primary approaches, such intimate gatherings reflect Delgado’s strategy to mobilize diverse communities against what he calls “transactional” leadership.
The Pakistani American Community business men and media endorsed him and promised to conduct several fundraising events before the dead line . The President 4thpillar- Vigilant Media Watchdog also endowed him and said that there is a glimpse of Obama in him . Antonio seems to be a real , vivid ,straight shooter and he will make New York State very strong .
The food served was very delicious and entertaining .
