Hochul Taps Former NYC Council Speaker as 2026 Running Mate

Governor Hochul chooses Adrienne Adams, a Queens native and union household veteran, to join her re-election bid.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has selected former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate for the 2026 gubernatorial election, forming the first all-female major party ticket in state history. Adams, a Queens native raised in a union household, served as Council Speaker from 2022 to 2025 and represented southeast Queens on the City Council.

Why it matters

Hochul's selection of Adams as her running mate signals the governor's efforts to build a diverse, experienced ticket that can appeal to voters across New York. Adams' background as a union household veteran and her tenure as the first African American and first woman to serve as City Council Speaker could help shore up Hochul's support in New York City and among key Democratic constituencies.

The details

Hochul praised Adams as 'a fighter who knows how to deliver for New York.' Before entering elected office, Adams worked in corporate training, human capital management, and child care education. She was first elected to the City Council in 2017 and later rose to Speaker after being elected by her colleagues in January 2022. As Speaker, Adams played a central role in negotiations over housing, public safety, and city budget priorities.

  • Hochul and Adams will run together in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
  • The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York, seeking re-election in 2026.

Adrienne Adams

A former New York City Council Speaker and the first African American and first woman to hold that position. She will be Hochul's running mate in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Antonio Delgado

The current Lieutenant Governor of New York, who is challenging Hochul in the Democratic primary.

Bruce Blakeman

The Nassau County Executive, who is widely viewed as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination after Rep. Elise Stefanik dropped out of the race.

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What they’re saying

“Welcome to the team my friend – and our next Lieutenant Governor – Adrienne Adams.”

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

“Adrienne Adams is a fighter who knows how to deliver for New York.”

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

What’s next

Hochul and Adams will run together in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, ahead of the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The takeaway

Hochul's selection of Adrienne Adams as her running mate signals the governor's efforts to build a diverse, experienced ticket that can appeal to voters across New York. Adams' background as a union household veteran and her tenure as the first African American and first woman to serve as City Council Speaker could help shore up Hochul's support in New York City and among key Democratic constituencies.