NY GOP Slams Hochul's Running Mate for Backing Non-Citizen Voting

Adrienne Adams championed legislation allowing 800,000 non-citizens to vote in NYC elections

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Republicans are criticizing New York Governor Kathy Hochul's running mate, Adrienne Adams, for her past support of legislation that would have allowed non-citizens to vote in New York City municipal elections. As head of the New York City Council, Adams helped push through the controversial law in 2021, which was later struck down by the state's highest court as unconstitutional.

Why it matters

The issue of non-citizen voting has become a political flashpoint, with Republicans arguing it dilutes the voices of American citizens. Hochul's opponent, Bruce Blakeman, is expected to make this a key campaign issue as he taps a running mate known for tough-on-crime and pro-gun stances.

The details

The 2021 legislation would have allowed 800,000 non-citizen New York City residents, such as legal green-card holders, to vote in city elections. As council speaker, Adams supported the bill and the city's appeal after a judge ruled it unconstitutional. Republicans are now criticizing Adams' stance, with Rep. Nicole Malliotakis saying "Anyone trying to dilute the voices of American citizens and pushing for non-citizens to vote in our elections has no business statewide or any elected office."

  • In 2021, the New York City Council passed legislation allowing non-citizens to vote in municipal elections.
  • The state's highest court later struck down the law as unconstitutional.

The players

Adrienne Adams

Kathy Hochul's running mate for lieutenant governor, who as New York City Council speaker championed legislation to allow non-citizens to vote in city elections.

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York, who has selected Adrienne Adams as her running mate for lieutenant governor.

Bruce Blakeman

The Republican candidate for Governor of New York, who is expected to make non-citizen voting a key campaign issue as he taps a running mate known for tough-on-crime and pro-gun stances.

Nicole Malliotakis

A Republican Congresswoman representing Staten Island and Brooklyn, who is criticizing Adrienne Adams' support for non-citizen voting.

Ed Cox

The Chairman of the New York Republican Party, who says Adrienne Adams' support for non-citizen voting is "way out there."

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What they’re saying

“Anyone trying to dilute the voices of American citizens and pushing for non-citizens to vote in our elections has no business statewide or any elected office.”

— Nicole Malliotakis, Congresswoman (New York Post)

“Non-citizen voting is way out there.”

— Ed Cox, New York Republican Party Chairman (New York Post)

What’s next

The issue of non-citizen voting is expected to be a key focus of the gubernatorial campaign, with Hochul's Republican opponent Bruce Blakeman likely to highlight Adrienne Adams' past support for the legislation.

The takeaway

The debate over non-citizen voting has become a partisan flashpoint, with Republicans arguing it undermines the democratic process and Democrats contending it promotes inclusion. This issue is likely to be a major point of contention in the upcoming New York gubernatorial race.