VOTERS GUIDE: New York State Governor: Kathy Hochul

KATHY HOCHUL

DEMOCRAT

BACKGROUND:

• Hochul, 64, became New York’s first female governor in August 2021 when Andrew M. Cuomo resigned.
• Previously, she served nearly seven years as lieutenant governor.
• The Buffalo resident served one term in Congress and as Erie County clerk.
• She earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and a law degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

ISSUES:

• Hochul promises to make New York a bulwark against Republican pushbacks on gun-safety laws and abortion rights.
• Says her rival is “extreme” because he opposes abortion rights and opposed legitimate certification of the 2020 presidential election.
• Revised bail law to allow judges to consider seriousness of a crime and defendant’s history when setting bail.
• As New York’s first female governor, touts putting together a leadership team “driven mostly by women.”
• Promotes having a more collegial and collaborative working style than Cuomo.
• Touts earmarking increases for school aid in state budget while increasing “rainy day” savings accounts.