Antonio Delgado sworn in as New York’s next lieutenant governor

ALBANY — Antonio Delgado officially resigned from Congress and was sworn in Wednesday as New York’s next lieutenant governor.

Gov. Hochul named the Schenectady native as her right-hand man and running mate earlier this month following the arrest and resignation of disgraced former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, who is facing federal corruption charges.

“We have enough politicians. We really do. What we need are more public servants,” Delgado said after taking his oath of office. “As leaders, we need to listen and work hard and find common ground and be effective.

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado is sworn into office on Wednesday. (Don Pollard/)

“That’s my promise to New Yorkers, whether you agree with me or you don’t,” he added.

The 45-year-old, joined by his wife and twin 8-year-old sons at the Manhattan ceremony, joked about the winding path that led him to his latest political post.

A Harvard Law grad and Rhodes scholar, Delgado served two terms in the House representing a Hudson Valley district after pursuing a rap career and working as a litigator at a “white shoe” law firm in Manhattan.

“I heard some chuckles out there,” he said after mentioning his hip-hop roots. “I followed my heart. Like I’m doing now.”

Delgado, the first person of color to represent an upstate district in Congress, identifies as Afro-Latino and has roots in the West African nation of Cape Verde.

N.Y. Gov. Hochul picks Rep. Antonio Delgado as new Lieutenant Governor

Hochul heaped praise on her new hand-picked second-in-command, saying that the pair share similar views on what it means to be a public servant.

“It means being a good listener, but not just listening to people’s concerns passively, but translating those concerns into real action,” she said. “That’s when public service manifests itself and achieves its full potential.”

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and Gov. Hochul (Don Pollard/)

Delgado downplayed the fact that his departure from Congress may impact the Democrats’ chances of retaining control of the House following the midterm elections. Republicans currently only need to pick up five seats to regain the majority in the chamber.

He also implored his former colleagues in Washington to take action in response to recent mass shootings in Texas and Buffalo that have left dozens dead, calling the twin tragedies a sign that action is needed to strengthen the country’s gun laws.

“Our children’s lives are on the line. The legitimacy of our democracy and the very fabric of our nation is on the line,” he said.