ALBANY, New York — In a historic move for New York politics, Governor Kathy Hochul has selected former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate, marking the first major party all-women ticket in the state's history. Adrienne Adams is set to bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role, potentially making her the first Black woman to serve as New York's lieutenant governor.

Governor Hochul, a Democrat with a significant lead in recent polls, has emphasized that the choice of Adams reflects a commitment to leadership that understands the needs of working families across the state. "Adrienne and I are no strangers to rolling up our sleeves and getting results for working New Yorkers," Hochul stated. "Together, we’re going to continue investing in public safety, bringing costs down, and making this state a place where all families can thrive."

The selection of Adams is seen as both a bold and prudent decision by Hochul. Both women share moderate political views, strong religious faith, and a grounded approach to governance. Adams, a Queens native, also provides geographic balance to the ticket, complementing Hochul's Buffalo roots.

This choice comes at a time when the role of lieutenant governor is under more scrutiny. Previous selections have caused political turmoil for Hochul, including the resignation of former state Senator Brian Benjamin amid corruption charges and the fallout with Rep. Antonio Delgado, who is now challenging Hochul in a Democratic primary.

Adams, aged 65, was a latecomer to the Democratic mayoral primary last year, encouraged to run during a politically turbulent period under former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Although she finished fourth in a competitive race, Adams gained recognition for her straightforward campaign and later endorsed the primary winner, despite reservations about his general election viability.

The announcement was tightly controlled by the Hochul campaign, countering days of speculation and rumors about potential candidates. Meanwhile, Hochul's likely Republican opponent, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, has yet to reveal his choice for a running mate.

As New York prepares for the upcoming elections, this groundbreaking women-led ticket has set a new precedent in the state's political landscape, signaling a shift towards more diverse and representative governance.