William Stormont Hackett, the mayor of Albany, had indicated to friends in late 1925 and early 1926 that he intended to enter the campaign for governor in 1928, presuming that Governor Al Smith won reelection in 1926 and made the presidential race in 1928.[6] As a result of Hackett's death in early 1926, the Democratic Party in New York next turned to Edwin Corning as their likely nominee for governor in 1928.[7] Corning was a leader of Daniel P. O'Connell's Democratic organization in Albany, and had been elected Lieutenant Governor in 1926.[8] However, Corning began to suffer health problems, and declined to become a candidate.[9] As a result of Hackett's death and Corning's poor health, in 1928 New York Democrats attempted to recruit several other prominent politicians to run, including Robert F. Wagner, George R. Lunn, and Peter G. Ten Eyck.[10] After those efforts failed, the party turned to Franklin D. Roosevelt to make the 1928 governor's race.[11] He was nominated by acclimation at the state party convention.[12]
Result
Four Democrats and two Republicans were elected in a tight race, resulting in no party change overall. The incumbents Tremaine and Copeland were re-elected.
The Democratic, Republican, and Socialist parties maintained automatic ballot access, the Socialist Labor Party did not re-attain it, and the Workers Party did not attain it.
^Rev. Herman J. Hahn, of Buffalo, ran also for U.S. Senator in 1938
^Franklin P. Brill, of Buffalo, ran also in 1924 and 1926
^John E. DeLee, ran also for Comptroller in 1920; for Lieutenant Governor in 1922 and 1926; and for Treasurer in 1924
^Elizabeth C. Roth, of Buffalo, ran also for Lieutenant Governor in 1930; and for Comptroller in 1932
^Hezekiah D. Wilcox (Jan 24., 1855 - Dec. 18, 1931), lawyer, of Elmira, ran also for the Court of Appeals in 1916, 1917, 1921 and 1927; and for Attorney General in 1918, 1922 and 1926; Obit in NYT on December 19, 1931. Wilcox was actually ineligible for this office, since he had passed already the constitutional age limit of 70 years.
^Henry Kuhn, ran also for Secretary of State in 1910; for Attorney General in 1912; and for the U.S. Senate in 1922