Incumbent
Polling Average
60%50%40%30%20%10%0%
51.8%
12.8%
10.3%
New York Democratic Governor nominee?
$237.0K
JUN 27, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleGovernor
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age67 years old (Aug 27, 1958)
GenderFemale
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LocationNew York
BackgroundAttorney
EducationSyracuse University (B.A., 1980)
Notable personal detailsKathleen Courtney Hochul is the 57th Governor of New York, serving since August 24, 2021, and previously served as New York’s lieutenant governor (2015–2021) and as a U.S. representative from New York (2011–2013). She is a lawyer and has also served in local government in Erie County, including as county clerk (2007–2011). Hochul earned a B.A. from Syracuse University and a J.D. from The Catholic University of America.
SourcesShowHide
history.house.govgovernor.ny.govwikidata.orgen.wikipedia.orgkathyhochul.comcommons.wikimedia.orgethics.ny.govstatic.hlt.bme.huballotready.orgmssny.orgnga.orgpt.wikipedia.orgabny.orgtroopers.ny.govnyassembly.govucrra.orgarxiv.orgmemo.odonnellsolutions.comweos.orglavocedinewyork.comcbsnews.comny.govnyserda.ny.govhollywoodreporter.comempirereportnewyork.combxtimes.comcwad1.orgthenation.comnorwoodnews.orgcseany.orgnytimes.combbc.compolitico.comjacobin.comcityandstateny.comcnn.comcity-journal.orgapnews.comspectrumlocalnews.comnystateofpolitics.comwestsiderag.comms.nowreutersconnect.comballotpedia.orgyoutube.combioguideretro.congress.govcongress.govde.wikipedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orggovinfo.govfec.govstefanik.house.govdocs.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports targeted relief for middle- and lower-income New Yorkers (middle‑class tax cuts, inflation refund checks, expanded child tax credit and other credits) while maintaining or extending higher rates on top earners and using revenue to fund expanded social programs and services rather than broad tax cuts for corporations. Budget proposals emphasize no across‑the‑board income or corporate tax rate increases but preserve progressive rate structure and investments in childcare, education, and social services.
Healthcare
Kathy Hochul supports expanding access to affordable health care through strengthened Medicaid, large state investments in hospitals and safety-net programs, and policy initiatives to broaden coverage and services for New Yorkers. Her administration has created a Commission on the Future of Health Care, increased Medicaid funding and provider reimbursements, and proposed state-level programs to expand benefits and services. These positions emphasize public program expansion and access improvements rather than privatization or Medicare-for-All advocacy.
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Immigration & Border
Supports protecting asylum access and expanding legal work authorization and federal support for asylum seekers in New York; opposes large-scale mass deportations and directs limited state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement (e.g., warrants or terrorism/watchlist cases).
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports preserving and expanding legal access to abortion and reproductive health care in New York, has signed multiple laws to protect patients and providers (including telehealth and shield laws), and describes New York as a safe harbor for abortion care. Advocates resisting out-of-state abortion restrictions and has taken executive actions and endorsements of legislation to strengthen abortion access and provider protections.
Climate & Energy
Supports aggressive clean-energy and emissions-reduction policies including New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act targets, large state investments in offshore wind and a $1 billion Sustainable Future program, and commitments to building decarbonization and heat-pump deployment. Prioritizes transitioning the electricity sector to zero emissions (targeted by 2040), major renewable procurement (including offshore wind), and programs to electrify buildings and support disadvantaged communities in the clean-energy transition.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports strong, expanded gun safety laws including closing loopholes on assault weapons and ghost guns, strengthening and expanding red flag laws, and expanding background-check and other restrictions to reduce gun violence. Has signed multiple statewide bills to tighten gun laws and proposed significant investments to combat gun violence and illegal firearms. Calls for federal action to complement New York’s measures.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Kathy Hochul is in the news because the New York governor’s race is tightening, with a new poll showing her leading Bruce Blakeman 47% to 41% as the two trade attacks over taxes, utility costs, and crime. She has also moved on major state policy items, including a budget deal on auto insurance reforms she says could lower bills and a proposal to limit ICE cooperation and ban face coverings for law enforcement. Earlier, her path to the Democratic nomination became easier when Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado ended his primary challenge, and she has also picked up endorsements such as GIFFORDS.
history.house.gov+53
Articles
NYNew York Post20 days ago
Hochul swipes back at Blakeman blaming her for rising NY costs – as new poll hints gov’s race is tightening
Positive
NYNew York Post2 months ago
Hochul reaches deals on NYS insurance reform that could save 10% on bills
Positive
NNewsweek3 months ago
Map Shows Where Republicans Lost Registered Voters 6 Months From Midterms
Positive
NYNew York Post3 months ago
Hochul insists she's done raising taxes
Neutral
Polls
New York Democratic Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
New York Democratic Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Kathy Hochul for New York Democratic Governor nominee?
New York State AFL-CIO
Elected official
New York State AFL-CIO endorsed Kathy Hochul for reelection as governor.
Actors' Equity Association
Elected official
Actors' Equity Association endorsed Kathy Hochul for reelection as governor.
American Federation of Musicians Local 802
Elected official
American Federation of Musicians Local 802 endorsed Kathy Hochul for reelection as governor.
Bronx elected officials
Elected official
Bronx elected officials endorsed Kathy Hochul for reelection as governor.
Communications Workers of America District 1
Elected official
Communications Workers of America District 1 endorsed Kathy Hochul for governor.
Zohran Mamdani
Elected official
Zohran Mamdani endorsed Kathy Hochul for reelection as governor.
Letitia James
Elected official
Letitia James endorsed Kathy Hochul for reelection as governor.
Ritchie Torres
Elected official
Ritchie Torres endorsed Kathy Hochul for reelection as governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising