Governor of New York

Kathy Hochul

Democrat · New York

57th Governor of New York, in office since 2021. Succeeded Andrew Cuomo after his resignation. First woman to serve as New York Governor. Won full term in 2022. Focus on housing, public transit, gun safety, and combating New York's population loss.

Record

Moderate progressive governor tackling New York's housing affordability crisis with ambitious supply goals. Signed NY SAFE Act extensions, major climate legislation, and transit investment. Navigated legislative battles over criminal justice and bail reform.

Legislative Record

Recently signed into law

• NY S.1396-B — DOCCS Prison Reform Omnibus (Signed into law, Dec 19, 2025)
  Ten-part prison reform bill expanding the State Commission of Correction (requiring a formerly incarcerated member and behavioral-health experts), giving the Correctional Association expanded oversight access, and tolling the statute of limitations for incarcerated persons' civil claims until 3 years after release.
• NY FY26 Budget — FY 2026 Enacted Budget — Mental Health, Discovery Reform, and Public Safety (Signed into law, May 9, 2025)
  Signed FY26 Budget legislation broadening the involuntary commitment 'serious harm' standard under N.Y. Mental Hygiene Law, expanding Kendra's Law, allotting $196M for the mental health system and $160M for forensic inpatient beds, and amending the state's criminal discovery process (changes effective Aug 7, 2025).

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