Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado paid a visit to a local restaurant on Wednesday as he continues his State of the People tour across New York.
Delgado is challenging Kathy Hochul in the Democratic primary for governor. He announced his gubernatorial run in June last year, saying there is a need for “bold, decisive, transformational leadership” in New York.
On Wednesday, Delgado visited with voters at Jay’s Diner in Henrietta to hear their concerns and what they say needs improvement. He also outlined his priorities and what he says he wants to change in New York.
Delgado says he wants the ultra-wealthy and big corporations to pay their fair share in taxes. He says that will help improve poverty and economic inequality. He also wants to improve the housing situation with things like rent stabilization, rent assistance and supporting public housing.
The lieutenant governor says he’s also focused on health care and making sure the system isn’t driven by profit. He additionally wants to fight for the immigrant community by banning cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and fight for climate justice by expanding green energy and making the environment better for local communities.
Finally, Delgado says he wants to improve child care for all New Yorkers and not just those in New York City.
“I’m hearing a hunger for change. I’m hearing a desire for something different. They don’t want the status quo. They don’t want the same talking points. They don’t want the same so-called solutions. They want real, meaningful change. So if I say, for example, we have to raise revenue on billionaires, that tends to get a positive reaction,” said Delgado. “People understand that, they see that there’s money out there. They understand that there’s money out there. But what they don’t see is where and how it’s reaching our communities.”
Hochul chose Delgado, a former upstate congressman, to be her lieutenant governor in 2022. He announced in February last year that he would not run for reelection alongside Hochul.