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 for governor.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new reelection running mate, Adrienne Adams, the former speaker of the New York City Council. This comes as Hochul's current lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, has launched a primary challenge to unseat her as governor. Delgado's decision to run against his own boss in the Democratic primary has created an unusual political dynamic.

Why it matters

The selection of Adams could help Hochul, a moderate Democrat from Buffalo, bolster her support downstate and among working class Black voters in New York City, as Delgado tries to win over progressives. Hochul's move to replace her lieutenant governor is seen as an effort to shore up her political position ahead of a potentially bruising primary battle.

The details

Hochul named Adrienne Adams, the former speaker of the New York City Council, as her new lieutenant governor pick, formally ditching the incumbent Delgado. Adams, who is from southeast Queens, ran an unsuccessful campaign for mayor of New York City last year. Delgado, a former member of Congress, has framed his gubernatorial campaign in the mold of the new progressive mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, as he seeks to capture excitement from the party's left flank.

  • Hochul announced the new running mate pick on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • Delgado officially launched his primary challenge against Hochul in June 2025.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Democratic governor of New York, seeking reelection.

Adrienne Adams

The former speaker of the New York City Council, selected by Hochul as her new lieutenant governor running mate.

Antonio Delgado

The current lieutenant governor of New York, who has launched a primary challenge against Hochul to become the Democratic nominee for governor.

Zohran Mamdani

The new progressive mayor of New York City, whose campaign Delgado is seeking to emulate in his own gubernatorial bid.

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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 (ksgf.com)

“A Mom from Buffalo”

— India Walton, Delgado's running mate (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The upcoming Democratic primary election between Hochul and Delgado will be a key political battle to watch in New York in 2026.

The takeaway

Hochul's move to replace her lieutenant governor with a new running mate reflects the growing divide within the Democratic party in New York, as the moderate governor tries to fend off a challenge from the progressive wing of the party led by Delgado.