STATEWIDE — THE WORKING FAMILIES PARTY (WFP) declined to endorse either Gov. Kathy Hochul or Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado for governor over the weekend, opting instead to nominate placeholder candidates for both governor and state comptroller ahead of June’s Democratic primaries, City & State reports.
Party leaders said the move preserves flexibility while the WFP focuses on down-ballot races and advancing its legislative agenda following gains in the 2025 cycle. Speakers at the convention voiced support for Delgado and for using a placeholder, while no speakers backed Hochul beyond the required nomination and second.
A person present said the placeholder outpolled Delgado, leaving Hochul with minimal support, though party officials disputed specific vote counts.
The decision also sidelined Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who faces his first primary challenge after nearly two decades with WFP backing. Party leaders said a formal endorsement could still come before the primary.
WFP has a history of using placeholders to avoid internal splits and to ultimately back the Democratic nominee without acting as a spoiler, a strategy revived as a crowded primary season takes shape.
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