Meet City & State’s 2026 political power couples

It can be lonely at the top – but it doesn’t have to be! The world of politics can also be a place where you meet your future partner, since government officials, staffers, consultants and journalists likely all share an appreciation for behind-the-scenes gossip, groundbreaking electoral strategies and policy minutiae on a variety of topics. Just look at former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who is now reportedly dating fellow Mayor Roxanna Valenzuela of South Tucson.

For all lovers of politics – and lovers of lovers of politics – City & State is proud to once again feature some of New York’s Power Couples.

Prisca Salazar-Rodriguez, partner at Bolton-St. Johns

Jose Rodriguez, senior vice president at Bolton-St. Johns

What’s your current relationship status?

Happily married with two boys, two dogs and coming up on our 22nd anniversary in May.

How did you two meet?

Working in government, The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp. and the attorney general’s office. We became close while working on a political volunteer project for the Bronx Democratic Party during the summer of 2000.

How often do your professional lives overlap?

Quite often, and by design. We actively pursue potential clients together and incorporate pro bono endeavors as well as professional mentoring in support of Latino/Puerto Rican causes.

Have you ever disagreed on a political issue?

We have and do. It all depends on the issue. We are both fiscally conservative (but) liberal involving social issues. At times, we clash regarding policy and legislative outcomes.

Do you have any advice for other couples in politics?

Stay on the same team at home – always. Set clear boundaries between work and family time, agree on what stays private and never let politics turn you into opponents. Protect each other’s reputation, communicate often and make sure the relationship is bigger than the job.

Leila Bozorg, New York City Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning

Molly Gaebe, co-founder of The Debt Gala, writer and performer with Abortion Access Front

What’s your current relationship status?

Married!

How did you two meet?

We met at a wedding of a fellow Wesleyan University alumni.

How often do your professional lives overlap?

Not much! Molly works on abortion issues nationally and Leila focuses primarily on New York City and state housing and land use issues. When there’s an opportunity to work on something together, we jump at it. For example, Molly got very involved in educating voters about the housing ballot questions that were proposed by the Charter Revision Commission that Leila served on; and Leila volunteers for The Debt Gala that Molly plans and throws each year on the night before the Met Gala.

Have you ever disagreed on a political issue?

We rarely if ever disagree on an issue, but we differ dramatically in our tactics and execution on advocacy. Molly is more radical and in your face, and doesn’t hide her outrage about the inequities she fights; for example, she has debated sitting U.S. senators in character as Anthony Comstock, the 19th century prude whose laws could be used in the present day to ban abortion. Leila takes a more measured, diplomatic and methodical approach.

Do you have any advice for other couples in politics?

Share a calendar, set the coffee on an automatic timer and give each other a ton of support and grace when passion projects at work necessarily take up all the space and energy.

Emma Pfohman, CEO of the Association for a Better New York

Ryan Birchmeier, founder of William Street Strategies

What’s your current relationship status?

Married for five years and humble servants to a 1-year-old. 

How did you two meet?

We met at the New York City Economic Development Corp. while jointly working on a number of development projects in Staten Island and South Brooklyn. We spent many hours driving together to staff community board meetings, job fairs, park openings and construction tours. When Ryan wrote his first press release for a project Emma was managing, she redlined the entire thing. It remarkably didn't deter Ryan. 

How often do your professional lives overlap?

After working at the New York City Economic Development Corp., Emma bounced around city government, and Ryan ventured into the private sector. They were reunited working in the Adams administration, where Emma was a senior adviser to First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and Ryan was the mayor’s communications director. Unlike the early days at the New York City Economic Development Corp., the time we worked together at City Hall was when we saw each other the least. 

Have you ever disagreed on a political issue?

Yes. The biggest disagreement we’ve had was when Ryan felt strongly that Emma (as she became increasingly pregnant) should be allowed to ride in the city vehicle he had as the mayor’s communications director. She declined for the entire pregnancy (and after).

Do you have any advice for other couples in politics?

A great mentor told Emma very early in her career that the most important professional decision she would ever make is her choice of partner. That advice has only proven more true with time. It feels presumptuous to give advice to anyone, but if we have to: find someone who can truly share the load.

Marriage is rarely an even split, but instead an ongoing agreement that sometimes one of you will carry far more than your share. Just remember it is only for a season of life. When Ryan was working long nights and early mornings for Mayor Adams, Emma held things together at home. These roles have now shifted with Emma's schedule at ABNY. So be generous to each other, talk openly about the season you’re in and find someone who won’t keep score.

Peter Kauffmann, founder and CEO of Bluejacket Strategies

Kara Hughes, senior adviser and head of New York City practice at O’Donnell & Associates

What’s your current relationship status?

Happily married for 21 years.

How did you two meet?

We met and became close friends working for Hillary Clinton.

How often do your professional lives overlap?

Not that often, but it’s great to have someone to talk to who understands the political world – whether that’s understanding the crazy hours and stress, or someone who can help you think through an issue.

Have you ever disagreed on a political issue?

YES!

Do you have any advice for other couples in politics?

Balancing two careers in politics with raising kids often requires a flexibility that isn’t always celebrated. At times, that may mean stepping up at home and stepping back professionally to support your partner’s career.