Republicans Critique Hochul’s Running Mate Over Voting Bill

Republicans are taking aim at Governor Kathy Hochul’s running mate, Adrian Adams, due to his support for a bill that aimed to give noncitizens the ability to vote in New York City elections.

Adams, who is currently challenging Hochul for the lieutenant governor position, was the New York City Council speaker back in 2021 when he aided in the passage of the controversial legislation.

This bill had the potential to allow around 800,000 noncitizens, including those with green cards, to participate in municipal elections. However, it was eventually deemed unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court.

“Those who are silencing the voices of American citizens and pushing for non-Americans to vote are not serving our state or elected leaders well,” stated Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn).

State Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox expressed that Adams’ voting record on the City Council will face closer examination, particularly regarding his support for measures that limited police authority.

On this matter, Cox labeled Adams’ stance on non-citizens voting as extreme.

“The idea of allowing non-citizens to vote is rather advanced,” he remarked.

Former Staten Island Republican City Councilman Joe Borelli noted this issue could fuel further frustrations for Hochul’s Republican gubernatorial challenger, Bruce Blakeman, who is currently the Nassau County Executive.

Reports suggest Blakeman intends to appoint north Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino—known for his tough stance on crime and support for gun rights—as his running mate.

“If immigration continues to be a focal point, Mr. Blakeman will leverage this non-citizen bill to validate broader Republican arguments about illegal immigration and the need for voter identification,” Borelli added.

Adams and Hochul’s campaign have not yet provided a comment regarding this situation.

As City Council president, Adams not only endorsed the non-citizen voting bill but also backed the city’s appeal when a Staten Island Supreme Court justice ruled it unconstitutional.

“We are committed to enhancing the participation of immigrant New Yorkers in local democratic processes,” Adams affirmed at that time.

“Through this appeal, we are sending a strong message that New York is a place of inclusion, and we anticipate the court’s ruling to support Section 11 and our appeal.”

Ultimately, a state appellate court upheld the prior ruling, maintaining the judge’s decision.