Hochul and Adams Make Historic Debut as First All-Female Gubernatorial Ticket

New York's governor and lieutenant governor candidates appear together for the first time ahead of the state Democratic convention.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams made their first public appearance together in Syracuse, kicking off their historic campaign as the first all-female gubernatorial ticket in New York state history. The two Democrats spoke about their shared priorities, including affordable housing, childcare access, and public safety, as they gear up for the state's Democratic convention.

Why it matters

The Hochul-Adams ticket marks a significant milestone for New York politics, breaking new ground as the first time an all-female pair has run for the state's top two elected offices. Their campaign could inspire more women to seek high-level political leadership roles, while also shaping the policy agenda around issues like housing, childcare, and public safety that disproportionately impact women and families.

The details

At the closed-door event in Syracuse, Hochul praised Adams as someone capable of stepping in as governor if needed, emphasizing that as a key factor in her selection. Adams, a native of Queens, touted her record of fighting for affordable housing, expanding pre-K and childcare, and addressing violent crime during her time as New York City Council Speaker.

  • The event took place on February 5, 2026, ahead of the February 6 New York State Democratic Convention.
  • Hochul and Adams' historic ticket was announced just days earlier, on February 1, 2026.

The players

Governor Kathy Hochul

The current governor of New York, who selected Adrienne Adams as her running mate for the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Adrienne Adams

The speaker of the New York City Council, who is running as the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor alongside Governor Hochul.

Antonio Delgado

Hochul's current lieutenant governor, who is also running for governor in the 2026 election.

Bruce Blakeman

The current Nassau County Executive, who is running for governor as a Republican in the 2026 election.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a proud life-long New Yorker, a mother and someone whose life and work has always been about serving her neighbors and her city.”

— Adrienne Adams, New York City Council Speaker (localsyr.com)

“What I need is someone who's capable of stepping in if ever necessary, that's job number one.”

— Governor Kathy Hochul (localsyr.com)

What’s next

Hochul and Adams will continue campaigning across New York state ahead of the June 2026 primary election, where they will face off against Delgado and Blakeman.

The takeaway

The historic Hochul-Adams ticket represents a significant milestone for women in New York politics, and could pave the way for more diverse leadership at the highest levels of state government. Their campaign platform focused on issues like housing, childcare, and public safety underscores their commitment to addressing the needs of women and families across the state.