News 12's senior reporter Tara Rosenblum is providing a recap of the key moments and takeaways from the New York State Democratic Committee's 2026 state convention in Syracuse. Democrats from across Long Island, Westchester, New York City and beyond packed the convention floor, rallying ahead of an election year with high stakes up and down the ballot. At the center of it all was Gov. Kathy Hochul, who was also trying to secure a second term in office. News 12 had a one-on-one sit-down with the governor before formally accepting her party's nomination.

Hochul spoke about the challenge she faces from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who is vowing to petition his way on the ballot after failing to garner 25% of the delegates vote. When asked about Delgado, Hochul replied, "You know, I can't help myself. I'm very competitive....This is my 16th election and I don't just want to win. I wanna win and make a statement. And so I plan to run hard." "A lot of people at the bottom are hurting," said Delgado. "And as long as that pain point is out there and people want real solutions, I'm here to make sure that we bring accountability to that question." Gov. Hochul's newly announced running mate - former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams - was also center stage, telling New 12 that she's ready to take on the 2026 campaign.

Joining them on the ballot this year is Attorney General Letitia James, who easily won the Democratic endorsement by acclamation. "For me, it's about just doing your job and focusing on addressing the affordability issues that New Yorkers care about," she says.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is also fighting for a fifth term. "I think there's a sense that we have a very strong team that's coming together for the November elections," he said.

Rosenblum also spoke to New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins:

New York Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs also spoke with Rosenblum:

The political focus now shifts back home, with the Republicans holding their state nominating convention next week on Long Island. To catch the rest of Rosenblum's exclusive conversation with Gov. Hochul, tune in to a special edition of Power & Politics this weekend, where the governor addresses the fight for the House, immigration, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and much more.