In January 2022, Adrienne Adams was sworn in as the first Black woman to lead the New York City Council.

For years, no one expected this leader of the council to seek higher office.

But that was then.  

A last-minute entry into the race for mayor — running on her record as the leader of the city's legislature. And so far, her candidacy has gained the backing of 10 of her members out of a body of 51.

"It's just a transition from one side of City Hall to the next,” Councilmember Rita Joseph said. “She's negotiated four budgets. And she's someone who lets you lead."

NY1 interviewed 18 of her colleagues — part of her current constituency — on whether they approve of her job.

"Under Adrienne, we've been empowered even more," Manhattan Councilman Erik Bottcher said.

"She was able to advocate and push forward legislation that supports women in our city," Brooklyn Councilmember Farah Louis said.

"The speaker doesn't really communicate very well and her staff, the legislative division, always uses the excuse that they're overwhelmed," Queens Councilmember Robert Holden said.

The divide is clear — progressives approve of her performance. More moderate members, less so.

Adams was the unexpected winner of the speakership and entered the office a moderate.

But during her speakership, sources say, the council was pushed left — approving some of the most progressive initiatives in years.

Some moderate members are still lamenting the difficult votes they had to cast.

And setting the council on a collision course with the mayor.

While the speaker's staff would say her achievements include maternal health programs, trauma recovery centers and higher education programs for older adults, her lasting legacy may be standing up to the other side of City Hall.

Lawmakers have overridden six of the mayor's vetoes and sued the administration three times.

The clash gave her a path to run for mayor.

But not all of her colleagues are behind her.

"When he decided to run I thought he was the best candidate,” Louis said. “And he was the one I was the most familiar with."

An endorsement for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Two other Queens council members endorsed Cuomo too. As a result, both Selvena Brooks-Powers and Lynn Schulman were removed from the council's budget negotiating team.

How the speaker described the schism when asked by NY1, "I don't lead in a vacuum."

“The council's leadership quite frankly lost trust, and that's a critical thing for members of BNT to have. The positions are privileges," she said.

Brooks-Powers' seat next to the speaker in the chamber was moved.

NY1 asked her about the clash.

"When I endorsed Andrew Cuomo, it’s based on listening to members of my community and hearing what some of their concerns are,” Brooks-Powers said. “But again, as far as my speaker, Adrienne Adams is my speaker. I was one of her earliest supporters. I am very proud of the work we've been able to do over the last four years."

It's not uncommon for a speaker to punish members who step out of line.

According to NY1's interviews, there are nine members who have been removed from committees or leadership positions under Adams, some because of a perceived clash on votes or legislation.

The most recent move appeared to be about politics. That, some say, is different.