Albany, NY (WRGB) — Antonio Delgado will run for Governor of New York in 2026, setting up a Democratic primary challenge between Kathy Hochul and the Lieutenant Governor she hand-picked to join her administration.

Delgado fueled speculation for months that he would launch this campaign, announcing in February that he would not seek reelection on the same ticket as Governor Hochul. At the time, the lieutenant governor did not commit to running for governor himself.

The news caused a rift in the executive chamber, with Hochul's office saying it was clear Delgado was not interested in the job he already had.

READ MORE:Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado won't seek re-election on Hochul ticket

“Today, Antonio Delgado finally said out loud what has been obvious for quite some time: he is simply not interested in doing the job of the Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York. Governor Hochul had already begun taking steps to identify a new running mate for 2026. We will also be reallocating responsibilities within the administration to ensure that important initiatives that had been within the Lieutenant Governor’s office are no longer neglected. Governor Hochul wishes him the best in his future endeavors," Anthony Hogrebe, Hochul's communications director, said previously.

Delgado broke with the governor last year when he called for President Joe Biden to drop his reelection bid.

Reacting to the news, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik called it proof that Hochul is "the worst Governor in America."

Stefanik is also rumored to be eyeing Albany's top office, and has not denied reports that she's considering a run for governor.

Watch Lt. Gov. Delgado's announcement here: