Hochul taps former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as running mate

Adams served in the New York City Council from 2017 through the end of last year, representing neighborhoods in southeast Queens. She previously ran for mayor in the June 2025 primary, but lost to Zohran Mamdani
Adams served in the New York City Council from 2017 through the end of last year, representing neighborhoods in southeast Queens. She previously ran for mayor in the June 2025 primary, but lost to Zohran Mamdani. Photo credit Adam Gray/Bloomberg

NEW YORK (BLOOMBERG) -- Governor Kathy Hochul has tapped former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams to run as her lieutenant governor, after her former running mate chose to challenge her for the Democratic nomination.

“As Donald Trump attacks this state relentlessly and Bruce Blakeman bends the knee before him, I need a fighter in my corner who’ll stand strong for New York families,” Hochul said in a statement on Wednesday. “Adrienne Adams is that fighter.”

Adams served in the New York City Council from 2017 through the end of last year, representing neighborhoods in southeast Queens. She previously ran for mayor in the June 2025 primary, but lost to Zohran Mamdani.

Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani attend the 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Brooklyn Academy of Music on January 19, 2026
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani attend the 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Brooklyn Academy of Music on January 19, 2026. Photo credit Jason Mendez/Getty Images for Brooklyn Academy Of Music

Adams touted her experience working for more affordable housing and child care for her constituents, saying she will work with Hochul to help struggling New Yorkers.

“There’s too much on the line for us to let Donald Trump raise costs, rip away child care, and wage war on New York families — and Governor Hochul and I are ready for this fight,” Adams said in the statement.

New York’s current lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, is running against Hochul in June’s primary election. He announced earlier Wednesday that he would run with India Walton, a democratic socialist, from Buffalo.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Adam Gray/Bloomberg