New York is "run" by a hierarchy of elected officials at the city and state levels. In 2026, Kathy Hochul serves as the Governor of New York State, overseeing the entire state's budget, the MTA, and statewide policy from Albany. At the local level, Eric Adams continues his term as the Mayor of New York City, responsible for the NYPD, the public school system, and the day-to-day operations of the five boroughs. Other key figures in the 2026 power structure include Letitia James, the State Attorney General, and Thomas DiNapoli, the State Comptroller. In the city, Brad Lander serves as the NYC Comptroller (the city's "chief financial officer"), and Adrienne Adams serves as the Speaker of the NYC Council, which is the legislative body that passes local laws. While the Mayor is the "face" of the city, much of the actual infrastructure (like the subways) is controlled by state-appointed boards, often leading to a complex political dynamic between the Governor in Albany and the Mayor in City Hall.