brian-benjamin

The case that threw state politics into a tailspin has been significantly downgraded.

The legislation marks a major change to state election law that will enable Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, to untether herself from a running mate currently under federal indictment.

A lawmaker wants to make it easier for candidates to remove themselves from the ballot.

The Democratic governor is now faced with picking a lieutenant governor to finish out the year.

Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin resigned from office, but he’s still on the primary ballot – for now.

Benjamin, a Democrat, was arrested on bribery charges earlier in the day Tuesday.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed Benjamin surrendered to authorities.

Cordell Cleare beat out four other contenders.

“Governor Hochul said to me when she first called me, ‘I want to have a collaborative government."

Benjamin won't officially become lieutenant governor until after Labor Day.