ALBANY – Former Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin’s name will not appear on the Democratic primary ballot. Benjamin was indicted on campaign finance charges on April 12.
Governor Hochul had asked the legislature to pass a bill permitting a candidate charged or convicted of misdemeanor or felony charges, to remove their name from the ballot. Prior to the new legislation, very few circumstances, including death or moving out of state would allow the candidate’s name to be taken off the ballot.
The New York State Democratic Committee to Fill Vacancies will determine the name of Hochul’s new running mate that will appear on the ballot. The Democrats need to designate the new candidate on or before Wednesday, May 4.
Hochul is facing a primary against Long Island Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi, who has named Diana Reyna, the first Dominican-American elected to public office in New York State. Reyna served on the New York City Council from 2002 to 2013.
