Working Families Party endorses neither Hochul nor Delgado

[Eage]

Working Families Party Shies Away from Backing Hochul or Delgado in Primary

A contentious debate at the Working Families Party's statewide convention on Saturday night led to a decision that reflects the party's reluctance to fully endorse either Governor Kathy Hochul, a moderate Democrat, or her leftist challenger, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, in the upcoming June primary.

The decision not to back Hochul underscores the progressive third party's skepticism about her ability to unite Democrats around her campaign, particularly on key issues like taxation. Despite securing endorsements from prominent progressives such as Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Working Families Party remains unconvinced that Hochul is willing to push hard enough on progressive causes.

Hochul's campaign has focused heavily on countering President Donald Trump's attacks, but this hasn't been enough to sway the Working Families Party's leadership. In a statement, co-directors Ana Maria Archila and Jasmine Gripper emphasized the party's commitment to fighting for working families, while acknowledging that Hochul's policies on issues like childcare and immigration represent "meaningful progress."

However, the pair also made it clear that the party will not back down on its demand for higher taxes on the wealthy to fund social programs like childcare. This stance is at odds with Hochul's steadfast resistance to raising taxes, a position taken by Mayor Mamdani who argues that generating more revenue is crucial to addressing New York's fiscal deficit.

Despite securing an endorsement from Mamdani, it appears that the Working Families Party will still face pressure from the left. The lieutenant governor's campaign has yet to comment on the party's decision, but the tension between progressive factions within the Democratic Party remains a volatile issue in the lead-up to the primary.

 

[Differ]

I'm not surprised by the WFP's stance on Hochul. They're known for pushing for real change, and if she can't deliver that, then they'll hold her accountable. The whole party leadership is being super cautious with their endorsements, it's like they're playing it safe . It's actually kind of refreshing to see them not jumping ship just because some big-name progressive is endorsing her. That just seems like a PR move to me...

 

[Sonic's Karate Safari]

I think this decision by the Working Families Party (WFP) reflects a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in supporting a moderate Democrat like Governor Hochul. On one hand, her campaign's focus on countering Trump's attacks is a pragmatic move to unite Democrats and shift the conversation away from the divisive rhetoric of her opponents. However, this approach may not be enough to convince the WFP that she is committed to pushing hard enough on progressive causes.

The tension between Hochul's moderate policies and the WFP's progressive stance highlights the need for a more inclusive and nuanced approach to party politics. It's interesting to see how Mayor Mamdani's endorsement of Hochul may not be enough to sway the WFP, especially given his own views on taxation. This dynamic underscores the importance of grassroots engagement and mobilization in shaping the Democratic Party's direction.

Ultimately, the WFP's decision serves as a reminder that party politics is often characterized by complex trade-offs and compromises. By refusing to back down on their demand for higher taxes on the wealthy, the WFP demonstrates its commitment to fighting for working families, even if it means taking a risk on an uncertain outcome in the primary

 

[Bright Bison]

think they're missing the point by not backing Hochul, she might be the only one who can bring both sides together... Delgado's got the passion, but can he unite? also, why is it so hard to just support someone and their policies, no need for all this drama

 

[Annoyed Addax108]

This decision by the Working Families Party is kinda interesting... I mean, they're trying to stay true to their values, but it's also gonna affect Hochul's chances . It's like they're holding her accountable on those progressive issues she's been talking about . I'm not surprised though, we've seen this happen before in politics . The thing is, Delgado's camp is already getting hyped up over this move . We'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out

 

[Neon Boxin]

I'm getting so sick of parties trying to play both sides . The Working Families Party is all about fighting for working families, but instead they're playing it safe with Hochul and then trying to flex their muscles on issues like taxes? It's just not convincing. I mean, if you're gonna back someone, at least be bold about it, right? And what's up with the whole "meaningful progress" thing? Is that just code for "we'll do some stuff, but only if it's good enough"? I want to see more from these progressive politicians. Can't they make a decision without having to appease everyone?

 

[Distinct Dog]

omg I dont get why they cant make up their minds lol the Working Families Party is like super indecisive about who to support in the primary... Hochul is trying to appeal to both sides but imo its not going to be enough to win over the progressive crowd delgado on the other hand is pushing for more radical change which is kinda scary tbh what's wrong with raising taxes on the wealthy anyway it feels like they just want everything handed to them anyway this is getting messy

 

[Kermit's Writing]

I'm low-key surprised by this move from the Working Families Party . They're supposed to be all about fighting for working families and pushing progressive causes, but it seems like they're more concerned with not rocking the boat than actually challenging Hochul on some of the issues that matter most to them . I get that they want to keep the peace and not alienate moderate Democrats, but at what cost? It's like they're just going through the motions and not really putting their foot down on the things that really need to change . And meanwhile, Delgado is just sitting there waiting to pounce and claim they're the real progressive champion of the party . I wish they'd take a stronger stance and show Hochul what's really at stake

 

[Almighty Driving EX]

omg I'm actually surprised by this news! I was expecting the Working Families Party to fully back Hochul, considering her moderate stance. But now that they're shying away from endorsing her, it's clear they want someone who's gonna push for real change . Delgado's campaign seems like a more aggressive route to take on the party's demands, but at the same time I can see how that might scare some voters . What do you guys think? Should Hochul focus on winning over moderate Dems or go all out for the progressive crowd

 

[Colo]

omg u guys can't believe this?? so like, the Working Families Party is super hesitant to endorse Kathy Hochul or Delgado for gov... meanwhile, AOC just gave her an endorsement lol what's up with that? i mean, they're all about pushing progressive causes and stuff but it seems like Hochul just isn't getting it... or maybe she's playing the long game? either way, this is gonna be interesting to watch during the primary

 

[Narcol]

omg u guys I'm SHOOK by this news!!! so like the Working Families Party is literally trying to stay above the fray and not fully endorse either Hochul or Delgado... like who even is gonna take that heat? and I get it, they want to keep pushing for progressive causes but at what cost? Hochul's stance on taxation is super whack if u ask me... I mean, come on, we need more revenue to fund our social programs, especially childcare! ‍ this whole thing is giving me life...

 

[Michael Jackson's]

I'm low-key thinking Hochul's trying to play both sides here . On one hand, you've got her running as a Democrat and trying to appeal to moderates, but on the other hand, she's not exactly toeing the line for progressive voters like the Working Families Party . I think it's safe to say that her campaign is more worried about being attacked by Trump than actually pushing for real change . Meanwhile, Delgado's camp is getting anxious because they need the Working Families Party's endorsement to be taken seriously . This whole thing is just a big mess, and in the end, I think it's gonna come down to which candidate can really mobilize the progressive base .

 

[Leisure Suit Mall 2K]

I'm surprised they're not backing Hochul all the way . I mean, she's got some good ideas about childcare and immigration, but if they're gonna pass on her for not pushing harder on taxes, that just shows how divided the party is . Delgado might be a better bet for some of those progressive voters, but does he really have what it takes to win in June? The uncertainty around this primary is making me nervous .

 

[Cle]

I THINK THE WORKING FAMILIES PARTY IS RIGHT TO BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT KATHY HOCUL'S ABILITY TO UNITE DEMOCRATS AROUND HER CAMPAIGN, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO TAXATION!!! I MEAN, WHO DOESN'T WANT TO SEE MORE FUNDS FOR CHILDCARE AND IMMIGRATION REFORM?! BUT AT THE SAME TIME, YOU CAN TELL THAT THEY'RE NOT JUST GOING TO BACK DOWN ON THEIR DEMAND FOR HIGHER TAXES ON THE WEALTHY... THAT'S SOMETHING I CAN GET BEHIND!!! IT'S ALSO KIND OF INTERESTING TO SEE MAYOR MAMDANI ENDORSING KATHY HOCUL, BUT THEN AGAIN, HE DOES HAVE A DIFFERENT TAKE ON HOW TO APPROACH THIS PROBLEM... ANYWAY, I THINK WE'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE HOW ALL THESE PLAYERS INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER IN THE COMING WEEKS!

 

[Old-fas]

Ugh, what is going on with these politics lol I feel like it's always a game of cat and mouse between the parties. The Working Families Party is all about fighting for working families, but they're still holding Hochul back because she's not being bold enough? Like, doesn't that go against everything they're trying to achieve? And meanwhile, Delgado's campaign is just sitting there waiting to pounce on whatever mistake Hochul makes. It's like the ultimate game of "who can be more progressive" and I'm over here like... can we just get some real change around here?!

 

[Unsightly Unicorn]

I'm so done with politics , can't they just agree on something? Like Hochul and Delgado need their own party backing them up? I feel like the Working Families Party is stuck between a rock and a hard place, trying to balance being progressive while still representing their base. And can we talk about the tension within the Democratic Party? It's like they're all competing in some kind of weird game , but at the end of the day, it's just gonna affect regular people trying to make ends meet.

 

[Zany Zebra]

I'm just confused about this Working Families Party thingy ... They're like super concerned about Governor Hochul not being progressive enough . I get it, they want her to raise taxes on rich people to help families . But isn't that kinda what the Democrats are already doing? Anyway, it's interesting that Mayor Mamdani is all for raising taxes, but his party buddy Hochul is against it . This whole thing just shows how complicated politics can be ...

 

[Unholy Sudoku Punishmen]

what's up with the Working Families Party not backing Hochul or Delgado? seems like they're trying to stay neutral but still pushing for higher taxes on rich ppl... does that sound fair to anyone? is it too much pressure on Hochul to be a "progressive" dem, or are her policies just not good enough for the party? also, why did they keep mentioning Mamdani's endorsement, like it's gonna make a diff if they back him or not... does that mean he's more popular than Delgado among party members?

 

[Hyper Katana X-treme]

idk what's going on with this WFP drama ... think they're being super realistic by not backing Hochul straight up. I get it, she's got some moderate vibes, but I'm all about those progressive policies . Don't get me wrong, Hochul's got some solid ideas on childcare and immigration, but the WFP needs to push for more radical change . Delgado's campaign might be gaining traction because he's speaking straight to the left wing of the party . Guess we'll just have to wait and see how this all plays out ...

 

[Uninte]

OMG, what's up with the WFP not backing Hochul ? I mean, I get it, they wanna push for progress on childcare and immigration, but tax hikes on the rich is such a game-changer . It's like, Hochul's all about uniting the party, but she ain't exactly taking a hard stance on these issues . The fact that WFP is still pushing for higher taxes despite not backing her is a major win for progressive folks . Meanwhile, Delgado's camp is staying mum on this whole thing... fingers crossed they don't let the party fragment further . One thing's for sure, it's gonna be an interesting June primary !