Kathy Hochul - Ballotpedia

Kathy Hochul - National Governors Association

Kathy Hocul earned a degree in political science from Syracuse University and a law degree from the Catholic University of America. She is a married mother of two

Kathy is the Governor of New York State. She works at the New York State government as Governor. She previously worked as Lieutenant Governor of New York, served as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives for New York’s 26th Congressional District, was the Erie County Clerk, served on the Hamburg Town Board, and worked as a legislative assistant to Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

Kathy previously as a legislative assistant to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

Kathy has served as Governor of New York since 2021, as Lieutenant Governor of New York from 2015 to 2021, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New York District 26, from 2011 to 2013, and as Erie County, New York, Clerk from 2003 to 2007.

This ballot may not list all local party officials on your official ballot. These individuals serve only within their political party and do not hold public office.

New York

2026 New York General Election

2026 New York Primary Election

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Supports modernizing the Hudson Valley Rail System to reduce travel time, increase connectivity and strengthen economic connections across the region.

Supports making "the biggest capital investment in New York’s transportation history by fully funding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA’s) proposed $68. 4 billion 2025-2029 capital plan to build the Interborough Express, crack down on fare evasion and focus on much needed repairs and upgrades."

Promotes fully funding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s proposed $68. 4 billion plan to build the Interborough Express, crack down on fare evasion, and focus on repairs and upgrades.

Wants New Yorker's to receive a refund for the Trump administrations tariff policies.

Believes New Yorker's are paying more for gas because of the Trump administration.

Advocates for less housing regulation's to make housing more affordable.

- Supports modernizing the Hudson Valley Rail System to reduce travel time, increase connectivity and strengthen economic connections across the region.
- Promotes fully funding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s proposed $68. 4 billion plan to build the Interborough Express, crack down on fare evasion, and focus on repairs and upgrades.
- Wants New Yorker's to receive a refund for the Trump administrations tariff policies.
- Believes New Yorker's are paying more for gas because of the Trump administration.
- Advocates for less housing regulation's to make housing more affordable.

Economy

As of April 23, 2026, Kathy Hochul’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Plans to strengthen involuntary commitment and improve Kendra’s Law.

Plans to strengthen involuntary commitment for those with severe mental illness.

- Plans to strengthen involuntary commitment for those with severe mental illness.
- Advocates for defending abortion access.

Healthcare

Plans to invest $47 million to make community college free for adult students pursuing associate degrees in certain high-demand industries.

- Plans to invest $47 million to make community college free for adult students pursuing associate degrees in certain high-demand industries.

Education

Energy & the Environment

Voting & Elections

Supports allowing undocumented immigrants to remain in New York.

- Supports allowing undocumented immigrants to remain in New York.

Foreign Policy and Immigration

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Kathy Hochul

As governor, Hochul announced a $1 billion tax cut for middle-class and low-income New Yorkers, reducing tax rates to their lowest levels in nearly 70 years.

Reduced the Payroll Mobility Tax for small businesses and eliminated it for self-employed individuals earning $150,000 or less.

As governor, sent New York’s first-ever inflation refund checks, dedicating $2 billion in direct cash assistance to over 8 million New Yorkers, with payments of up to $400 per family.

Invested $2.2 billion in child care statewide, including $350 million in child care subsidies for New York City families.

Invested an additional $800 million in the Department of Transportation’s 5-year Capital Plan to support core highway and bridge construction projects.

As governor, Hochul announced an agreement to increase the Child Tax Credit to $1,000 for children under 4 and $500 for children ages 4-16.

As governor, invested $357 million in gun violence prevention programs.

As governor, Hochul announced an agreement to create a new Class B misdemeanor for individuals who use a mask to conceal their identity when committing a Class A misdemeanor or higher crime.

Invested $77 million for police officers on overnight subway trains, installing platform barriers and LED lighting, and allocating $25 million for welcome centers to connect homeless individuals with services and care.

Plans to invest $120 million in funding for discovery law compliance for prosecutors and defense attorneys.

Invested $160 million to create 100 new forensic inpatient psychiatric beds in New York City.

As governor, announced a statewide policy banning smartphones and internet-enabled devices in classrooms during school hours, making New York the largest state with such a policy.

As governor, invested $1 billion in climate initiatives, including home electrification, thermal energy networks, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and renewable energy projects.

As governor, signed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, which restores voting rights to felons who have completed their prison sentence.

Plans to strengthen involuntary commitment.

- Plans to strengthen involuntary commitment.
- Advocates for defending abortion access.

- The governor is the highest-ranking executive official in New York State and serves as the head of the executive branch.
- The governor enforces state laws, oversees executive agencies, and directs the overall operation of state government. 
- The governor has the power to sign or veto legislation, including a line-item veto to reject specific parts of spending bills. The governor appoints leaders of state agencies, boards, and commissions.
- The governor serves as commander-in-chief of the state’s military forces.
- The governor is elected statewide to serve a four-year term and has no term limits. Candidates must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of New York for at least five years before the election.
- The governor receives a salary of approximately $250,000 per year.