Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara and Senator Joseph Griffo have introduced legislation (S1581) to change the way New York nominates candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor – by requiring them to run as a unified ticket in primary elections, rather than separately. The reform is aimed at ensuring voters choose cohesive leadership teams who share a common vision and are ready to govern together.

The proposal comes as Governor Kathy Hochul has recently expressed support for the reform during state budget negotiations. The bill would take effect ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Currently, gubernatorial and lieutenant governor candidates run separately in party primaries but must run as a ticket in the general election — a process that has, at times, resulted in mismatched or politically incompatible pairings. This legislation would bring consistency to both stages of the electoral process.

“New Yorkers deserve leadership teams that can govern with unity and purpose from day one,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “By requiring candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run as a ticket in party primaries, this legislation ensures voters are choosing partnerships built on shared vision – not political convenience. It’s a commonsense reform that brings stability to our executive branch and transparency to the 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,” Senator Joseph Griffo said. “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.”