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

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado launches primary bid against Hochul, prompting her to select Adrienne Adams as new running mate.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 1:55pm

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced Adrienne Adams, the former speaker of the New York City Council, as her new running mate for the upcoming election, replacing incumbent Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. Delgado has launched a primary challenge to unseat Hochul, creating an unusual political dynamic where he remains her lieutenant governor while campaigning against her.

Why it matters

The selection of Adams could help Hochul, a moderate Democrat, bolster her downstate credibility and appeal to working class Black voters in New York City at a time when Delgado, a former member of Congress, is angling to win over progressives. Hochul's decision to replace Delgado also highlights the ongoing tensions and power struggles within the state's Democratic party.

The details

Hochul named Adrienne Adams, the former speaker of the New York City Council, as her new running mate. Adams, who is from southeast Queens, ran an unsuccessful campaign for mayor of New York City last year. Delgado, Hochul's current lieutenant governor, has launched his own campaign for governor, calling for more progressive leadership in the state. He has named former Buffalo mayoral candidate India Walton as his running mate.

  • On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Hochul announced Adrienne Adams as her new running mate.
  • In June 2025, Delgado officially launched his campaign for governor, breaking from Hochul.
  • In January 2026, Delgado was out making stops on what he called the 'State of the People Tour' while Hochul was delivering her annual State of the State speech.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York, a moderate Democrat.

Adrienne Adams

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

Antonio Delgado

The current Lieutenant Governor of New York, who has launched a primary challenge to unseat Hochul as the Democratic gubernatorial nominee.

India Walton

The former Buffalo mayoral candidate, who has been named as Delgado's running mate.

Zohran Mamdani

The current Mayor of New York City, who is a democratic socialist ally of Hochul.

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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 (wkbw.com)

“India is a proven fighter for the working class. A mother from Buffalo and committed activist, India energized new, often overlooked voters in her historic run for mayor. I am honored to call her my partner in this fight, and thrilled she has agreed to join me as we take on a broken system - enabled by establishment politicians - that serves the few at the expense of the many.”

— Antonio Delgado, Lieutenant Governor of New York (wkbw.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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