New York Governor Replaces Running Mate as Current No. 2 Challenges Her

Kathy Hochul names Adrienne Adams as new lieutenant governor pick, replacing Antonio Delgado who is running against her in the primary.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new running mate for her reelection bid, replacing current Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado who has launched a primary challenge to unseat her. Hochul has selected Adrienne Adams, the former speaker of the New York City Council, as her new lieutenant governor pick. This move comes as Delgado, a former member of Congress, is running against Hochul from the more progressive wing of the Democratic party.

Why it matters

The replacement of Delgado with Adams could help Hochul, a moderate Democrat, bolster her support among working class Black voters in New York City. This comes at a time when Delgado is angling to win over progressives in the state by casting himself as part of a new generation of leaders better equipped to guide New York through a potential second term of former President Donald Trump.

The details

Hochul and Delgado had been feuding for months before Delgado said he wouldn't run alongside the governor last year, teasing his own campaign for higher office. Delgado made the breakup official in June with his own candidacy for governor, calling for more progressive, transformational leadership in the state. Since then, Delgado has remained Hochul's lieutenant governor on paper while actively campaigning against her.

  • Hochul announced the new running mate on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • Delgado launched his primary challenge against Hochul in June 2025.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Democratic governor of New York who is running for reelection.

Antonio Delgado

The current lieutenant governor of New York who is running in the Democratic primary against Hochul.

Adrienne Adams

The former speaker of the New York City Council who Hochul has selected as her new running mate.

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What they’re saying

“Adrienne and I are no strangers to rolling up our sleeves and getting results for working New Yorkers. Together, we're going to continue investing in public safety, bringing costs down, and making this state a place where all families can thrive.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (wbal.com)

“I will leave that to the Times Union to observe and to state. That's an interesting observation. Correct.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.