By: Jordan Baker

Republicans are escalating attacks on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s newly selected running mate, Adrienne Adams, over her past support for legislation that would have allowed non-citizens to vote in New York City municipal elections — a law that was later invalidated by the state’s highest court.

As the New York Post reported, Adams, now the New York City Council speaker and Hochul’s pick for lieutenant governor, backed the controversial measure in 2021 while serving as a Queens councilwoman. The law would have extended voting rights in city elections to roughly 800,000 non-citizen residents, including legal permanent residents and individuals authorized to work in the United States.

The legislation ignited immediate backlash from Republicans and some legal experts, who argued it violated the state constitution. Those concerns were ultimately borne out when New York’s top court ruled the law unconstitutional, ending the city’s attempt to expand its electorate beyond U.S. citizens.

Despite the court defeat, Adams continued to publicly defend the policy after becoming City Council speaker in 2022. She also supported the city’s decision to appeal an earlier Staten Island Supreme Court ruling that struck down the law, reinforcing her stance that immigrant participation in local elections should be expanded.

Republicans are now seizing on that record as Hochul gears up for a re-election fight that is expected to center heavily on crime, immigration, and election integrity.

“Anyone trying to dilute the voices of American citizens and pushing for non-citizens to vote in our elections has no business holding statewide office,” Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) said, sharply criticizing Adams’ position.

State GOP Chairman Ed Cox said Adams’ backing of non-citizen voting stands out as particularly extreme, even as Republicans prepare to scrutinize her broader City Council record — including legislation aimed at curbing the New York Police Department’s authority.

“Non-citizen voting is way out there,” Cox said, signaling that the issue will be a central line of attack as the campaign unfolds.

Former Staten Island GOP Councilman Joe Borelli argued the controversy could significantly benefit Hochul’s likely Republican challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Borelli predicted Blakeman will highlight Adams’ support for the measure as proof of what Republicans describe as Democratic overreach on immigration and voting laws.

“If immigration remains a dominant issue — and there’s every reason to believe it will — Blakeman will absolutely point to this bill as validation of broader GOP arguments on illegal immigration and voter ID,” Borelli said.

Blakeman is expected to select Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino, known for his tough-on-crime and pro-gun positions, as his running mate — a pairing Republicans believe could sharpen contrasts with Hochul’s ticket.

Neither Adams nor the Hochul campaign responded to requests for comment. However, Adams has previously defended her position in unequivocal terms.

“We stand firm in our commitment to empowering immigrant New Yorkers to participate in our local democratic process,” she said when backing the city’s appeal, framing the effort as a statement of inclusion.