The lieutenant governor of New York, day to day, is in charge of ribbon-cutting and little else.

But twice in 45 years, the occupant of that office rose to become the state’s chief executive upon a governor’s departure. So while races for lieutenant governor have often been forgettable, the result can be consequential.

Jumaane Williams, an independent-minded New York City Council member, has shown that he can be a real leader and is the right choice for lieutenant governor in the Democratic primary next Thursday.

The current lieutenant governor, Kathy Hochul, a lawyer and former county clerk and House member from Buffalo, is a dedicated public servant. But in her more than three years in office, Ms. Hochul has served as little more than an echo for Gov. Andrew Cuomo. During a debate with Mr. Williams, Ms. Hochul could not name a single instance in which she had changed the governor’s mind on an issue, or opposed one of his policies.

We have endorsed Mr. Cuomo for governor in the Democratic primary, while arguing that he is likely to act aggressively against systemic corruption in Albany only if reformers continue to pressure him.