Kathy Hochul

President Barack Obama walks along the Colonnade of the White House with newly-elected Rep. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y

Kathy Hochul official portrait

HochulMorelleLaborDayParade2014

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Kathy Hochul swearing in 2021

Governor Hochul and MTA Leadership Take LIRR Ride Direct to Grand Central (51644165041)

Kathy Hochul is an American politician serving as the 57th and current Governor of New York, having assumed office on August 24, 2021. She is a member of the Democratic Party and the first woman to hold the office of governor in New York State. Prior to her tenure as governor, Hochul served as the Lieutenant Governor of New York from 2015 to 2021, working alongside former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Her political career also includes serving as a U.S. Representative for New York's 26th congressional district from 2011 to 2013.

Early Life and Education

Kathy Hochul was born Kathleen Courtney on August 27, 1958, in Buffalo, New York. She is one of six children in a family of Irish Catholic descent. Hochul earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and later received her Juris Doctor from the University of Buffalo Law School.

Political Career

U.S. House of Representatives

Hochul's entry into national politics came in 2011 when she won a special election to fill the vacancy in New York's 26th congressional district, becoming the first Democrat to win the district in decades. During her tenure in Congress, Hochul was known for her moderate stance, focusing on issues such as job creation, reducing government spending, and protecting Medicare and Social Security.

Lieutenant Governor of New York

In 2014, Hochul was selected as the running mate of Governor Andrew Cuomo and was elected Lieutenant Governor of New York. She focused on economic development and women's issues, including the establishment of the Enough is Enough campaign to combat sexual assault on college campuses.

Governor of New York

Following Governor Cuomo's resignation in August 2021, Hochul assumed the governorship, marking a historic moment as the first woman to hold the position in New York State. As governor, Hochul has prioritized the state's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure development, and addressing climate change.

Personal Life

Kathy Hochul is married to William J. Hochul Jr., a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York. They have two children together and reside in Buffalo, New York.

Legacy and Impact

As the first female governor of New York, Kathy Hochul's tenure is seen as a significant milestone in the state's political history. Her leadership during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and her efforts to address key issues such as economic recovery, healthcare, and climate change are central aspects of her administration's focus.