Adrienne Adams, the former speaker of the New York City Council, is seeking to make history again after being selected as Governor Kathy Hochul’s running mate in the 2026 New York gubernatorial election.
If elected on 3 November, Adams would become New York’s first Black woman lieutenant governor.
Adams made history on 5 January 2022, when she became the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the New York City Council, a position she held through the end of 2025.
Her selection by Hochul on 4 February 2026 created an all-female Democratic ticket for governor and lieutenant governor, marking a historic milestone for the state’s Democratic Party.
The campaign comes as New York prepares for its November election, which will determine the state’s next governor and lieutenant governor for a four-year term.
Adams’ potential election would mark another milestone for Black women in American politics. However, she and Hochul must win the general election to take office.
The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
