U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado is yet to be formally sworn in as New York's new lieutenant governor. But on Tuesday, the two-term Democratic congressman officially launched his bid for the party's nomination as he seeks a full term as the preferred running mate of Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

The rollout of his campaign includes the formation of a statewide campaign committee to enable fundraising for the bid. 

"In just one short week, I’ve heard excitement from New Yorkers of all walks of life, many of whom are meeting me for the first time,” he said. “Now that our Delgado for New York campaign is officially up and running, I hope folks start to get a better sense of who I am, and I look forward to earning their trust in the coming weeks."

The announcement by Delgado's campaign, made a week after he was unveiled as Hochul's choice to replace former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin following his resignation amid corruption charges, underscores the tight turnaround he is facing. 

The statewide Democratic primary is scheduled for June 28. Delgado is facing former New York City Councilwoman Diana Reyna, the preferred running mate of Rep. Tom Suozzi, and activist Ana Maria Archila, who is running with New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. 

Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run separately in party primaries and later are joined on a formal ticket in the general election. 

Delgado has served for two terms as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the Hudson Valley region of New York.