Governor of New York

Governor of New York

The Governor of New York is the head of government of the U.S. state of New York. The governor is the chief executive of the state and is responsible for enforcing state laws, as well as overseeing the operation of the state executive branch. The governor has the power to approve or veto bills passed by the New York State Legislature, to convene the legislature, and to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment.

History

The position of Governor of New York was established by the first New York State Constitution in 1777. The first governor was George Clinton, who served from 1777 to 1795 and again from 1801 to 1804. Over the years, the role of the governor has evolved, with changes in the state constitution and the political landscape of New York.

Powers and Duties

The governor's powers and duties are outlined in the Constitution of New York. These include:

• **Executive Powers**: The governor is responsible for the execution and enforcement of state laws and has the authority to appoint heads of state agencies and departments.
• **Legislative Powers**: The governor can propose legislation, veto bills, and call special sessions of the legislature.
• **Judicial Powers**: The governor has the power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons for offenses against the state, except in cases of treason and impeachment.
• **Budgetary Powers**: The governor is responsible for preparing and submitting the state budget to the legislature.

Election and Term

The governor is elected by the citizens of New York to a four-year term, with no term limits. Elections are held in even-numbered years that are not presidential election years. The governor and the lieutenant governor are elected on the same ticket.

Residence

The official residence of the governor is the New York State Executive Mansion, located in Albany, the state capital. The mansion has been the residence of New York governors since 1875.

Notable Governors

Several governors of New York have gone on to hold significant national positions, including:

• Martin Van Buren, who served as the 8th President of the United States.
• Theodore Roosevelt, who served as the 26th President of the United States.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served as the 32nd President of the United States.
• Nelson Rockefeller, who served as Vice President of the United States under President Gerald Ford.

Current Governor

As of 2023, the current governor of New York is Kathy Hochul, who assumed office on August 24, 2021, following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo.

See Also

• List of governors of New York
• New York State Legislature
• Politics of New York (state)

References

• "Constitution of the State of New York". New York State Department of State.
• "New York State Executive Mansion". Office of the Governor of New York.