Democrats assemble for Syracuse convention with 3 incumbents for top jobs

SYRACUSE — New York Democrats will gather Friday for their state convention with the momentum on their side and three established leaders seeking reelection: Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, political observers told Newsday.

Whether they can sustain the effort and avoid self-destruction remains to be seen.

"The only thing, barring something unimaginable, that can reverse this momentum is that there is an open civil war between progressives and moderates," said Larry Levy, executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University.

President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have recently declined over issues including the economy and his immigration policy, which has helped the proverbial winds at Democrats' backs "blow harder" than they might normally, Levy said. Democrats also picked up a state Senate seat in a major upset in Texas last week, further encouraging the party.

Democrats in New York have a more than 2 to 1 enrollment advantage, but party leaders are gearing up for a tough election cycle, State Democratic Committee chairman Jay Jacobs told Newsday.

Over 400 delegates from around the state, attending the one-day convention in Syracuse, will debate and vote on their designees for governor, lieutenant governor, state attorney general and comptroller.

Few surprises are expected, with Hochul anticipated to receive the lion’s share of votes, James running unopposed and DiNapoli, who has held the position since 2007, expected to do well, Jacobs said.

Possible drama

There may still be fireworks with two of the three state leaders facing opposition for the party designation.

DiNapoli is being challenged by three Democrats: former congressional candidate Adem T. Bunkeddeko, former Kansas state lawmaker Raj Goyle and Drew Warshaw, a former executive of an affordable housing nonprofit.

Hochul is being challenged by her former ally and now estranged lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado.

Delgado, who is taking her on from the political left flank, this week announced India Walton, the former Buffalo mayoral candidate, as his running mate. Hochul Wednesday announced former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate.

While Delgado is considered a long-shot candidate, Jacobs said he "wouldn’t be surprised" if the Hudson Valley Democrat received the 25% of votes he needs to automatically be on the ballot for the June primary given that he’s the sitting lieutenant governor and has had plenty of time to reach out to county chairs.

Candidates that don’t receive 25% of the delegates' vote must file a petition with 15,000 signatures to get on the ballot.

Jacobs said he’s confident Hochul will win the primary but would rather not have to spend the campaign dollars.

"No matter what, you have to take it seriously. You can’t ignore it and the New York media market is extraordinarily expensive and it’s going to cost a good amount of money that would be better spent helping Democrats win races over Republicans," he said.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is running for governor and party members will vote on whether he will be their designee at the Republican convention on Long Island next week.

"Delgado is a distraction," said Hank Sheinkopf, a 40-year veteran political strategist, adding that things could change, but for now the lieutenant governor has "no shot to win."

Potential divide

A primary also presents a challenge for Democrats like Hochul who will have to tread lightly when courting the party’s left while not ostracizing mainstream, centrist Democrats, political experts said.

Hochul has aligned herself with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, appearing alongside him as she announced a child care budget proposal in January.

Mamdani, a prized political ally who could help boost election turnout in New York City, on Wednesday announced his endorsement of Hochul. But Hochul’s relationship with him is "a potential minefield with suburban swing voters, moderate swing voters," Levy said.

Moderate, swing suburbanites can be decisive in a competitive election, he said.

The Democrats "think the Republicans are in retreat. They think Mamdani will help them. They will likely move a little more to the left," Sheinkopf said.

But there is a danger to the strategy, particularly as left-leaning Democrats call for politically divisive proposals such as tax hikes on the wealthy, political experts said.

"What the Democrats are going to look for here is to try and create the illusion of unity, and to do that, they’ve got to keep the [Democratic Socialists of America] happy," Sheinkopf said.

Jacobs said he doesn’t think there will be a major party rift, with most Democrats recognizing the need for unity. "I think we’re going to have pretty smooth sailing," he said.