Working Families Party Passes on Governor's Bid, Favors No Candidate in June Primary
The Working Families Party, a progressive third party in New York, announced it would not endorse a candidate for governor in the upcoming primary election, citing a lack of significant support for Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and a divergence from Governor Kathy Hochul's moderate stance.
During its statewide convention, the party engaged in an "animated debate" that ultimately led to its decision. The Working Families Party has traditionally pushed for higher taxes on the wealthy to fund social programs like childcare, but Hochul's campaign has emphasized her commitment to raising revenue through other means.
Despite securing endorsements from prominent progressives such as Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the party ultimately decided not to back either candidate. Instead, they chose to prioritize their core values and principles over a potential endorsement.
The decision reflects the Working Families Party's desire to maintain its independence and avoid being drawn into the moderate wing of the Democratic Party, which Hochul represents. While the governor has garnered support from prominent Democrats, the party remains skeptical about her stance on issues like taxation and social programs.
In a statement, co-directors Ana Maria Archila and Jasmine Gripper emphasized the party's commitment to fighting for working people and their unwavering demand for higher taxes on the wealthy. They acknowledged that Hochul has made some meaningful progress on issues affecting working families but ultimately rejected her approach as insufficient.
The decision not to endorse either candidate is likely to put pressure on Hochul's campaign, particularly given her efforts to unite Democrats around her message. Meanwhile, Delgado's campaign may face an uphill battle without the support of a major progressive organization like the Working Families Party.
The Working Families Party, a progressive third party in New York, announced it would not endorse a candidate for governor in the upcoming primary election, citing a lack of significant support for Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and a divergence from Governor Kathy Hochul's moderate stance.
During its statewide convention, the party engaged in an "animated debate" that ultimately led to its decision. The Working Families Party has traditionally pushed for higher taxes on the wealthy to fund social programs like childcare, but Hochul's campaign has emphasized her commitment to raising revenue through other means.
Despite securing endorsements from prominent progressives such as Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the party ultimately decided not to back either candidate. Instead, they chose to prioritize their core values and principles over a potential endorsement.
The decision reflects the Working Families Party's desire to maintain its independence and avoid being drawn into the moderate wing of the Democratic Party, which Hochul represents. While the governor has garnered support from prominent Democrats, the party remains skeptical about her stance on issues like taxation and social programs.
In a statement, co-directors Ana Maria Archila and Jasmine Gripper emphasized the party's commitment to fighting for working people and their unwavering demand for higher taxes on the wealthy. They acknowledged that Hochul has made some meaningful progress on issues affecting working families but ultimately rejected her approach as insufficient.
The decision not to endorse either candidate is likely to put pressure on Hochul's campaign, particularly given her efforts to unite Democrats around her message. Meanwhile, Delgado's campaign may face an uphill battle without the support of a major progressive organization like the Working Families Party.
. They don't want to be seen as just another liberal party, you know? It's like they're trying to keep it independent and not get swayed by the Democratic machine 
. I mean, Hochul has her supporters, but the WFP is still skeptical of her stance on taxes and stuff... maybe she should try harder to appeal to their side of things 
. Anyway, this is gonna be a wild primary election... who do you guys think will come out on top? 
soooo the Working Families Party is literally being super independent rn 
they decided not to endorse anyone in the governor primary which means Hochul's campaign might get some major backlash 
and Delgado's chances just went from promising to like, totally uncertain 
and if they're not gonna endorse someone who's supposed to be a progressive rep of Hochul then maybe she's not as solid on those issues as we thought 
. I get it though, the WFP's gotta stay true to their values and not just go along with whoever's in power 
. This decision is gonna be interesting to watch unfold 
i mean, they're already getting endo's from major progressives and now they just decide not to back Hochul? seems like they're playing both sides... 
i get that they wanna keep it independent but come on, who does that in politics? 
"A lie keeps growing and growing until it's as clear as the nose on your face." - Carol Burnett 
This is so weird for the Working Families Party to not endorse either candidate. I mean, they've been pushing for higher taxes on the wealthy and now Hochul is trying to do that too? It's like they're just playing it safe or something... 
.
. You need to trust your instincts and walk away. The WFP isn't taking sides because they want to keep their independence and not get caught up in the noise 
. The real question is, will either candidate take this as an opportunity to listen and adapt, or will they get caught up in trying to win over the WFP's support? Either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how this plays out 
!
. Hochul's gotta step up her game and convince them that she's really fighting for the cause 
.
guess they wanna keep it independent 
meanwhile, Hochul's gotta win that primary and make her case to the party if she wants a shot in 2026 
. I'm kinda torn between supporting the progressive vibe and wanting to see some actual progress on issues 
