Oneida Times

State Senator Joseph Griffo is advocating for legislative reforms concerning the role and election process of New York's lieutenant governor. Prompted by recent developments, including Governor Kathy Hochul's interest in separate primaries for top state offices, Griffo is pressing for changes he has long championed.

Griffo's proposed legislation would require candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run as a slate in the primary elections, mirroring the process in general elections. This reform aims to prevent situations where incompatible candidates are forced to work together. He further proposes removing the constitutional clause allowing a lieutenant governor to act in the governor's absence and establishing a protocol for filling vacancies similar to the U.S. Vice-President's process.

“With Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado's decision not to run for reelection on the governor's ticket in 2026, Albany has a great opportunity to reform state government for the better by updating antiquated and archaic state laws concerning the lieutenant governor’s office,” said Griffo. “During my tenure in the Senate, I have sought commonsense changes that would improve the electoral process and the way state government functions. This includes my lieutenant governor legislation that provides for real and necessary changes that would modernize our state's laws and bring them into greater conformity with the U.S. Constitution and will potentially prevent incompatible candidates from being forced to run and serve together in office.”

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is set to introduce a companion bill to Griffo's proposal of candidates running as a slate, emphasizing, “New Yorkers deserve leadership teams that can govern with unity and purpose from day one. By requiring candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run as a ticket in primaries, this legislation ensures voters are choosing partnerships built on shared vision — not political convenience."

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, who backs the companion bills for the other proposed changes, recalled, “Years ago, a vacancy in the Office of Lieutenant Governor prompted the introduction of this legislation. I sponsor this legislation in the Assembly, as it now appears we may once again be faced with the same need.”

These developments reflect the ongoing dialogue about the structure and strategy of New York's state governance.