New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has selected former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate for lieutenant governor in this year’s election. The announcement, made today, aligns Hochul with Adams, who recently completed her term as the city’s legislative leader. The governor commented on the selection, stating, "Adrienne and I are no strangers to rolling up our sleeves and getting results for working New Yorkers," according to The New York Post.
Hochul, who took office in 2021, is no longer running with her current lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, who will be her opponent in the gubernatorial primary. CBS News reports that Delgado has chosen India Walton, a progressive, as his running mate. In her announcement, Hochul also addressed Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, emphasizing the importance of public safety, reducing costs, and supporting families across the state.
Hochul’s selection follows reports that potential running mates, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and state Sen. Jamaal Bailey, declined her invitations to join the ticket. Blakeman, the expected Republican nominee, has not yet announced a running mate. In the same statement to The New York Post, Hochul commented on the need for a strong advocate for New York families.
Polls from Siena University show Hochul leading, with her highest recorded favorability rating and advantages over other candidates, though the election season could remain competitive. Blakeman referred to Adams as a "radical" for her policies while serving on the city council, which involved addressing the city’s police budget and the migrant situation, CBS News reported. New York Attorney General Letitia James has endorsed the Hochul-Adams ticket, stating on social media that Adams "is a fighter for New Yorkers and a true friend of working people," providing support for the campaign.
Adams, who lives in Southeast Queens, is a moderate Democrat. She ran for New York City mayor last year but was not elected and remains active in the state’s Democratic Party. Her selection as Hochul’s running mate has been noted in statements from both candidates.
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