New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo dispatched with a Democratic primary challenge Tuesday from Zephyr Teachout, a Fordham University law professor who was viewed as a protest candidate from the progressive wing of the party.
When the Associated Press called the race for Cuomo, he was receiving nearly 60 percent of the vote.
The outcome was unsurprising, but still remarkable. Although few Democrats doubted Cuomo would coast to victory over Teachout, she quickly became an avatar for simmering resentment among progressive Democrats, who felt Cuomo felt short of campaign promises on issues like campaign finance reform.
Federal prosecutors are also investigating whether Cuomo or his aides sought to interfere with a panel looking into corruption in Albany, in order to protect political allies. The New York Times editorial board cited that investigation, and other factors, when it snubbed Cuomo with a non-endorsement.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Cuomo’s pick for lieutenant governor, Kathy Hochul, also beat back a progressive challenger, Tim Wu, who had appeared to gain momentum in recent weeks. Hillary Clinton stepped in to help Hochul by recording a robocall backing her.
Cuomo is heavily favored to win in the general election against Republican Rob Astorino, who has posted disappointing polling and has not received support from the Republican Governors Association as a result.
