A day after announcing the endorsement of Gov. Kathy Hochul for re-election in the June 2026 Democratic primary, the Executive Committee of the Kings County (Brooklyn) Democratic County Committee said on Wednesday, Feb. 4, that it was rescinding the endorsement.
The Committee said it made the abrupt decision “following the news of her (Hochul) choosing former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate as Lieutenant Governor.
“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,” said the Committee in a statement.
“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,” it added. “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 Committee continued. “It is safe to conclude that the Brooklyn delegation on Friday at the State Convention will be prone to voting against or abstaining from support for this ticket.
“We believe Democrats must make strong and strategic political decisions, particularly during challenging election cycles,” it said.
On Tuesday, the Brooklyn Democratic Party announced the endorsement of Gov. Hochul, as well as Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Attorney General Letitia James for re-election in the June 2026 Democratic primary.
“The Brooklyn Dems proudly endorse Gov. Kathy Hochul, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Attorney General Tish James, all of whom have demonstrated their fearless fight against the lawless federal government to protect New York,” said Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, following a special meeting of the Executive Committee Monday night, where District Leaders representing all 21 Assembly Districts in Brooklyn voted to endorse the incumbents.
“In these three battled-tested state leaders, we have Gov. Hochul delivering on universal childcare to uplift working families, Comptroller DiNapoli fighting corruption and protecting the state’s largest pension fund, and AG James defending the rule of law and standing up against a corrupt justice department,” added Bichotte Hermelyn, representative for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn.
“Their historic achievements and record exemplify the strength and commitment required to continue leading our state,” she continued.
Ahead of the New York State Convention in Syracuse, Bichotte Hermelyn said the endorsement from Brooklyn, which represents the state’s largest delegation, strongly suggests that these three state-wide officials are well-positioned to secure the state party’s nomination this Friday.
