One of the most compelling primary races in New York is for a largely ceremonial position with relatively unobtrusive and few statutory duties: the lieutenant governor.
The Democratic Party’s progressive-activist wing sees the race as one of its best chances to catapult one of its own into state administration, possibly using the post as a pulpit for bullying to support government leader Kathy Hochul, a moderate Democrat who is also is active, to counteract. Tuesday in the preliminary round.
Antonio Delgado, the chosen lieutenant governor and running mate of Ms. Hochul, faces a tough challenge from Ana María Archila, a longtime activist and community organizer, backed by the Working Families Party and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Ms. Archila walks with Jumaane Williams, New York City’s public advocate, but Ms. Hochul has a strong preference for winning the primary for governor, raising the possibility of an uneasy Democratic ticket if Ms. Archila also triumphs.
“The first task will be to build a campaign that invites every New Yorker to be inspired and feel represented by our ticket,” said Ms. Archila Tuesday morning in Brooklyn Borough Hall when asked about prospects for a share ticket with mrs. Hochul.
Ms. Archila dismissed concerns that her left-wing credentials could become the target of vigorous Republican attacks in general elections, which could jeopardize Democratic control in Albany.
Although she faces an uphill climb to relieve Mr. Delgado, she argued that her candidacy offered the best opportunity to encourage minorities and immigrant communities, as well as young people, to come in November.
“That’s how we win,” said Ms Archila, speaking alongside Representative Nydia Velázquez, who supported her in the race. “That’s the kind of contribution I would make to this effort.”
Also in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor, Diana Reyna, a former Brooklyn city councilor, is the running mate of Representative Thomas Suozzi of Long Island.
Jen Wip, 55, a Downtown Brooklyn resident who works in the pharmaceutical industry, said Tuesday she voted for Ms. Hochul and Ms. Archila because she “thought it was a better mix” than picking a few running mates.
“I don’t necessarily know if two women stand a good chance, you know, given our general climate in the country right now,” she said shortly after casting her vote.
“But I just felt like I got the best feeling from her and some of the specific things she said about race and inclusion,” she said of Ms. Archila, who is Colombian-American.