New York Governor Kathy Hochul has selected former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate for re-election. By adding Adams to the ticket, this officially becomes the first all-women ticket for the state’s top offices. The historic pairing represents a significant milestone in New York politics and women’s leadership at the state level.
“I’m grateful to begin building the next chapter of New York’s future with Adrienne Adams, our next lieutenant governor,” Hochul said in a statement. She emphasized Adams’ working-class roots and commitment to public service. “Raised by two union workers, Adrienne knows what it means to work hard and stand up for those who need it most.”
Adams’ Rise From City Council to Statewide Candidacy
Adams was first elected to the New York City Council in 2017, beginning her political career representing her district. She made history by serving as the first Black Speaker of the New York City Council. Her tenure as Speaker lasted from January 2022 through the end of 2025.
She reached the term limits for her City Council seat, prompting her to seek higher office. Adams ran for New York City mayor but was unsuccessful in that bid. However, her strong political profile and leadership experience made her an attractive running mate for Hochul’s re-election campaign.
Historic All-Women Ticket Takes Shape
The Hochul-Adams ticket represents the first time New York State has fielded an all-women slate for governor and lieutenant governor. This groundbreaking pairing demonstrates increasing representation of women in the state’s highest political positions. The ticket combines executive experience with legislative leadership from New York City’s political landscape.
Adams brings expertise in municipal governance and coalition-building from her time leading the City Council. Her record as Speaker showcased her ability to navigate complex political dynamics and build consensus. This experience complements Hochul’s executive leadership as she seeks a full term as governor.
Primary Challenge From Lieutenant Governor Delgado
Hochul is facing current Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado in the June Democratic primary election. Delgado selected India Walton as his running mate, who identifies as a Democratic Socialist. Walton previously ran for Buffalo mayor, bringing her own political profile to the race.
The Democratic primary will determine which ticket advances to face the Republican nominee in November. This intra-party competition sets up a clear choice for Democratic voters about the party’s direction. The primary battle will test both tickets’ ability to mobilize supporters across the diverse state.
Adams Ready to Fight for New York Families
Adams made clear her priorities in accepting the running mate position on Hochul’s ticket. “There’s too much on the line for us to let Donald Trump raise costs, rip away child care, and wage war on New York families — and Gov. Hochul and I are ready for this fight,” she stated. Her message emphasizes protecting vulnerable populations from federal policy changes.
“Let’s get to work,” she concluded, signaling her readiness to campaign across the state immediately. Her fighting spirit and policy focus align with Hochul’s governing priorities and campaign messaging. The partnership positions both women as defenders of New York values against federal threats.
Hochul Leads in Early Polling Numbers
Recent polling by Siena University in January found that Hochul is the most favorable candidate at 49 percent. The poll shows strong support for the governor despite facing primary and general election challenges. Her favorability ratings suggest significant strength heading into the competitive election season.
The poll indicates that Hochul would defeat Republican Bruce Blakeman and primary challenger Delgado by substantial margins. Specifically, she leads both opponents by more than 50 percentage points in head-to-head matchups. These numbers demonstrate her dominant position in the race, though much can change before Election Day.
Republican Nominee Bruce Blakeman Waits in Wings
Whether it’s Hochul or Delgado, the Democratic nominee for New York governor will face the likely Republican nominee. Bruce Blakeman, the current Nassau County Executive, represents the Republican Party’s expected standard-bearer. His local executive experience in Nassau County provides a governance record for voters to evaluate.
Blakeman faces an uphill battle in heavily Democratic New York State despite his credentials. The state’s partisan lean favors Democratic candidates in statewide races by significant margins. However, executive experience and local name recognition could help him compete in suburban areas.
NYC Mayor Mamdani’s Expected Endorsement
According to reporting from Politico, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to endorse Hochul in her reelection. While Mamdani’s endorsement could deliver a near-fatal blow to Delgado, it has sparked some criticism. The progressive mayor’s support for the more moderate governor raises questions about political alignments.
Hochul has not budged on her stance to raise income taxes on millionaires, something Mamdani is pushing. This policy disagreement makes the endorsement particularly notable and potentially controversial among progressive voters. The governor has not reportedly embraced Mamdani’s priority of free bus services for the city.
Policy Differences Despite Political Alliance
The Mamdani endorsement highlights tensions between political alliances and policy preferences in New York politics. Despite policy disagreements on key issues like taxation and transit, Mamdani appears ready to support Hochul. This pragmatic approach prioritizes defeating Republican candidates over achieving every progressive policy goal.
Hochul’s resistance to raising taxes on millionaires conflicts with progressive demands for revenue generation. New York City faces a $12 billion budget deficit that requires creative solutions and additional funding. The governor’s position on this issue demonstrates her moderate approach to fiscal policy and governance.
Union Roots Inform Adams’ Political Identity
Hochul’s statement about Adams emphasized her working-class background and family history with organized labor. “Raised by two union workers,” Adams understands the struggles of working families firsthand. This biographical detail connects her to New York’s strong union tradition and labor movement.
Her upbringing informs her policy priorities and commitment to protecting workers’ rights and economic security. This background gives her credibility with labor unions that remain politically powerful in New York. The union connection strengthens the ticket’s appeal to working-class voters across the state.
Breaking Barriers in New York City Politics
Adams’ tenure as the first Black Speaker of the New York City Council represents a significant achievement. She broke through barriers in an institution with a long history of male leadership. Her Speakership demonstrated her political skills and ability to build diverse coalitions within the council.
Leading the City Council required balancing competing interests from members representing vastly different constituencies. Adams navigated these challenges while advancing legislative priorities and maintaining institutional stability. Her successful leadership prepared her for the demands of statewide office and coalition-building.
Campaign Focuses on Protecting New Yorkers
The Hochul-Adams ticket positions itself as defenders of New York families against federal policy threats. Their campaign messaging emphasizes protecting childcare, controlling costs, and resisting harmful federal initiatives. This defensive posture responds to concerns about the Trump administration’s impact on state programs.
The ticket’s focus on concrete issues like childcare costs resonates with working families across the state. By emphasizing practical concerns rather than abstract ideology, they appeal to moderate voters. This strategic positioning distinguishes them from both progressive primary challengers and Republican general election opponents.