Governor Kathy Hochul wants the Legislature’s help to remove former Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin’s name from the primary ballot.
Benjamin resigned and suspended his campaign on April 12 after being arrested and indicted on federal fraud and bribery charges. Despite this, his name will still be on the ballot for the Democratic primary due to New York’s election laws.
Related: Lt. Governor Benjamin resigns after being indicted on federal bribery charges
“There is a need for a legislative solution,” said Hochul to reporters on Tuesday, according to New York Daily News. “I would like the Legislature to do just that and to pass legislation that corrects what is really a strange part of our law that does not allow the removal of someone who is under indictment.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) said she talked Hochul on Monday but is skeptical of changing rules ahead of the June 28 primary.
Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-Westchester) introduced a bill that would allow a candidate facing criminal charges or terminal illness to be replaced on the ballot. Benjamin would still have to agree to remove himself from the ballot.