7 Key Facts About Kathy Hochul: Who Is The Governor Of New York State Now And Her Biggest Controversies

As of December 10, 2025, the current and 57th Governor of New York State is Kathleen "Kathy" Courtney Hochul. She made history in 2021 by becoming the state's first female governor, assuming office after the resignation of Andrew Cuomo.

The confusion surrounding "who is the new governor of NYC" is common; New York City (NYC) is led by its Mayor, while Governor Hochul oversees the entire state, including all its major cities from Buffalo to Manhattan. Her tenure, which began with a challenging transition, has been defined by tackling major post-pandemic issues, securing a massive state budget, and navigating high-stakes political controversies, most notably a significant reversal on a major transit initiative. This profile provides the most current look at her life, career, and the policies shaping New York today.

Governor Kathy Hochul: A Complete Biographical Profile

Kathleen Courtney Hochul has a long history in New York politics, beginning her career at the local level before ascending to the highest office in the state.

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• Full Name: Kathleen Courtney Hochul (née Courtney)
• Date of Birth: August 27, 1958
• Place of Birth: Buffalo, Erie County, New York
• Education:
  • Hamburg High School, Hamburg, NY (Graduated 1976)
  • Syracuse University (B.A., Political Science)
  • Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law (J.D.)
• Political Party: Democratic Party
• Public Service Career Highlights:
  • Town Board, Hamburg, NY
  • Erie County Clerk (2007–2011)
  • U.S. Representative for New York's 26th Congressional District (2011–2013)
  • Lieutenant Governor of New York (2015–2021)
  • Governor of New York (2021–Present)
• Family: Married to William J. Hochul Jr., a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York. They have two children.

7 Major Policy Initiatives Defining Hochul's Governorship

Since taking office and winning her first full term, Governor Hochul has focused her administration on several critical areas, from economic affordability to climate change and public safety. Her policy agenda is often encapsulated in the annual State of the State address and the subsequent state budget, which for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 exceeded $237 billion.

1. The FY 2025 Enacted Budget: A cornerstone of her administration, the budget was touted as a measure to address "tough issues" facing New Yorkers. It included significant allocations for education, infrastructure, and public safety initiatives across the state.
2. Focus on Affordability and Tax Relief: Hochul has consistently championed policies aimed at lowering the cost of living. This includes delivering rebate checks directly to New York families, lowering taxes, and implementing measures to drive down the costs of child care and housing.
3. Minimum Wage Increase and Labor Reform: A major legislative victory was the successful push to raise the state's minimum wage and, crucially, to index it to inflation. This policy, which took effect recently, aims to provide a more sustainable living wage for workers. Furthermore, she enacted a first-in-the-nation Paid Prenatal Leave Law.
4. Climate Change and Clean Energy Transition: The Governor has made significant commitments to environmental policy. The state budget includes major contributions to combating climate change and accelerating the transition to clean energy sources, aligning New York with ambitious national goals.
5. Addressing the Housing Crisis: Recognizing the severe shortage of affordable housing, particularly in New York City and its surrounding areas, the Hochul administration has pushed for comprehensive housing plans. While facing legislative hurdles, her goal remains to increase housing supply and make the state more affordable.
6. The Congestion Pricing Controversy (The 'Pause'): One of the most talked-about decisions of her recent tenure was the indefinite pause on the planned congestion pricing program for Manhattan's Central Business District. This program, which was set to charge drivers entering the zone, was intended to fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and reduce traffic. Governor Hochul cited concerns over the cost of living and the burden on working families as the reason for the pause, a move that drew both praise and intense blowback from transit advocates and political rivals. The legal and financial implications of this pause are still being debated.
7. Public Safety and Gun Legislation: Following national trends, Governor Hochul has focused on enhancing public safety. Her administration has worked to strengthen gun laws, particularly in the wake of mass shootings, and has invested in programs aimed at reducing gun violence in urban centers like Buffalo and New York City.

The Road Ahead: The 2026 Gubernatorial Election

Governor Hochul is the incumbent Democrat, and while she has not yet officially announced her intention to seek re-election, the political landscape is already shifting with the 2026 gubernatorial election on the horizon. The next election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and is expected to be a highly competitive race.

The Emerging Republican Challengers

The Republican field is beginning to take shape, with several high-profile figures either announcing or strongly considering a run against the incumbent. The focus for Republican challengers will likely be on issues like crime, the cost of living, and the political fallout from the congestion pricing decision.

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• Bruce Blakeman: The two-term Nassau County executive has formally launched his 2026 campaign for governor, positioning himself as a strong contender from Long Island.
• Elise Stefanik: Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, a prominent figure in national politics, has also announced a bid for governor. Her run is expected to make the 2026 race one of the tightest and most expensive in the state's history.

The lead-up to the 2026 election will see intense scrutiny of Governor Hochul's successes and failures, particularly her handling of the state's finances and her decisions regarding major infrastructure projects like the MTA's funding, which was heavily reliant on the paused congestion pricing revenue. The debate will center on key issues such as the ongoing migrant crisis, the state's economic competitiveness, and the balance between upstate and downstate interests. The political climate suggests a fierce battle for control of the state's executive branch.

In conclusion, Kathy Hochul remains the Governor of New York State, navigating a complex political and economic environment. Her administration is focused on significant legislative reforms in housing, labor, and climate, all while preparing for what is sure to be a challenging re-election campaign against a growing field of Republican hopefuls.