Adrienne Adams Picked as Hochul's Running Mate for 2026 Election

Former NYC Council Speaker to join Governor Hochul on the ballot in November

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday that Adrienne Adams, the former New York City Council Speaker, will be her running mate in the 2026 gubernatorial election. The two plan to focus on issues like public safety, cost of living, and supporting working families across New York.

Why it matters

The selection of a new running mate is a key strategic decision for any incumbent governor seeking re-election. Hochul's choice of the experienced and progressive Adams signals an effort to shore up support in New York City and with key Democratic constituencies.

The details

Adrienne Adams will join Governor Hochul on the ballot in November as the team prepares to win another term. Adams is a lifelong New Yorker from Queens who invested in early childhood education and expanded housing affordability during her tenure as NYC Council Speaker.

  • Governor Hochul announced the selection of Adrienne Adams as her running mate on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The 2026 New York gubernatorial election is scheduled for November of that year.

The players

Governor Kathy Hochul

The incumbent Governor of New York who is seeking re-election in 2026.

Adrienne Adams

The former New York City Council Speaker who has been selected as Governor Hochul's running mate for the 2026 election.

Antonio Delgado

The incumbent Lieutenant Governor who has decided not to run with Governor Hochul and is instead launching his own campaign for governor.

India Walton

A nurse from Buffalo who has been selected as the running mate for Antonio Delgado's gubernatorial campaign.

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What they’re saying

“I'm grateful to begin building the next chapter of New York's future with Adrienne Adams, our next Lieutenant Governor. 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.”

— Governor Kathy Hochul (wbng.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The 2026 New York gubernatorial election is scheduled for November, and the Hochul-Adams ticket will face off against the Delgado-Walton ticket and potentially other challengers.

The takeaway

Governor Hochul's selection of the experienced and progressive Adrienne Adams as her running mate signals an effort to shore up support in New York City and with key Democratic constituencies as she seeks re-election in 2026.