Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul has chosen former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running partner, marking a historic women-led ticket for a major party in New York State. If elected, Adams would be the first Black woman to hold the position and, as a Queens native, brings geographic balance to a ticket led by the state’s Buffalo-born governor.
“Adrienne and I are no strangers to rolling up our sleeves and getting results for working New Yorkers,” Gov. Hochul said in a statement. “Together, we’re going to continue investing in public safety, bringing costs down, and making this state a place where all families can thrive.”
Hochul’s selection is considered a bold and safe choice for the governor. Hochul and Adams are both moderate, church-going mothers who take a low-key approach to their jobs and are around the same age.
“Governor Hochul made a strong decision — and a statement — with the selection of Adrienne Adams to serve as her running mate. Adrienne has been a longtime member of the National Action Network, who has fought alongside us in every position she’s held — especially as Speaker of the City Council these last four years. I know as Lieutenant Governor, she and Governor Hochul will continue to work with NAN to drive down costs for Black New Yorkers, stand up to an oppressive federal government that’s cut our healthcare access, and expand opportunities. We are excited to welcome her to our interim House of Justice location this Saturday to address her fellow NAN members,” Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN) said in a statement.
Adams, a Queens native and seasoned city legislator, was highlighted by Hochul for her leadership on affordable housing, public safety, and family issues during her tenure as council speaker. Hochul said she chose Adams in part because she “knows what it means to work hard and stand up for those who need it most.” She served as NYC Council Speaker from 2022 to 2025, becoming the Council’s first Black speaker, and represented parts of Queens in the City Council beginning in 2017. She ran in the 2025 Democratic primary for New York City mayor.
Gov. Hochul’s announcement comes amid internal Democratic competition: Hochul’s current lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, is running against her in the Democratic primary, and has named his own running mate, India Walton, an activist and nurse from Buffalo.
On the Republican side, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is expected to be the GOP nominee for governor in November. Blakeman chose Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as his running mate for Lieutenant Governor.
