The Brooklyn Democratic Party has officially rescinded its endorsement of Governor Kathy Hochul following her selection of Adrienne Adams as a running mate.
In a stunning reversal that threatens to fracture the New York Democratic establishment, the Executive Committee of the Kings County Democratic County Committee representing the state’s largest Democratic delegation has officially rescinded its endorsement of Governor Kathy Hochul. The move, announced on February 4, 2026, serves as a direct and stinging rebuke to the Governor’s selection of former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her new running mate for Lieutenant Governor.
This unprecedented withdrawal of support comes just days before the New York State Democratic Convention in Syracuse, effectively signaling a “civil war” within the party’s base. For those following NYC politics, the timing could not be more explosive.
The Brooklyn Democratic Party did not mince words in its official statement, characterizing the Governor’s decision-making process as a fundamental failure of leadership. The Executive Committee explicitly cited a lack of engagement with the very leaders responsible for mobilizing the city’s most powerful voting bloc.
“The Executive Committee of the Kings County Democratic County Committee is officially withdrawing its endorsement of Kathy Hochul for Governor following the news of her selection of former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate as Lieutenant Governor.
“There is no longer a majority of votes from Brooklyn State Committee Members/District Leaders in the Executive Committee to support the Governor’s re-election. This is a response to the political miscalculation on the part of the Governor’s campaign and their failure to engage or consult Brooklyn Democratic leaders who represent New York’s largest Democratic delegation. Major statewide political decisions require meaningful collaboration with the party leaders and elected officials who organize, mobilize and deliver Democratic victories.”
The fallout from this decision is expected to be felt immediately at Friday’s State Convention. By rescinding the endorsement, Brooklyn’s leadership is effectively releasing its delegates to vote against or abstain from supporting the Hochul-Adams ticket.
This internal friction provides a significant opening for challengers, including the progressive momentum surrounding Mayor Zohran Mamdani. For readers searching for more exclusive political news, the central question is whether this rift can be healed before the primary, or if Brooklyn has officially closed the door on the Governor.
“It is safe to conclude that the Brooklyn delegation on Friday at the State Convention will be prone to voting against or abstaining support for this ticket. We believe Democrats must make strong and strategic political decisions particularly during challenging election cycles.”
Reference: Jin Whang ([email protected] | 917. 239.2499
Brooklyn is the heart of the Democratic machine in New York. As the largest Democratic delegation in the state, their “organize and mobilize” capabilities are the engine behind successful statewide campaigns. By alienating these leaders, Hochul risks losing the “ground game” in a city that is already feeling the pull of more progressive alternatives.
For insiders at NYC politics, the “miscalculation” cited by the Committee refers not just to the choice of Adams, but to the perceived disrespect of bypassing the county’s power brokers.
While Adrienne Adams was initially framed by the Governor’s office as a “fighter” who would bridge the gap with downstate voters, she now enters the race with a significant portion of her own borough’s leadership in open revolt. Whether this is a temporary tactical maneuver by Brooklyn leaders or a permanent break remains to be seen.
To stay updated on the fallout from the State Convention and for more exclusive political news on the 2026 race, stay tuned to our ongoing coverage of NYC politics.
Why did the Brooklyn Democratic Party rescind its endorsement of Governor Hochul?
The party cited a “political miscalculation” and a failure by the Governor’s campaign to consult with Brooklyn Democratic leaders before choosing Adrienne Adams as her running mate.
What is the significance of the Brooklyn delegation?
Brooklyn represents the largest Democratic delegation in New York State. Their support is traditionally seen as essential for any Democrat seeking statewide office due to their ability to mobilize voters.
Who is Adrienne Adams?
Adrienne Adams is the former Speaker of the New York City Council. She was selected by Governor Hochul on February 4, 2026, to serve as her running mate for Lieutenant Governor.
How will this affect the State Democratic Convention?
The Brooklyn delegation has signaled they will likely vote against or abstain from supporting the Hochul-Adams ticket at the convention in Syracuse.
Is there a “majority” in Brooklyn for Hochul?
According to the Executive Committee, there is no longer a majority of votes from Brooklyn State Committee Members and District Leaders to support the Governor’s re-election.