Kathy Hochul

Subnational level: Governor
Written By Alison Handel, SFGI Intern

Kathy Hochul (Kathleen Mary Courtney Hochul) is the incumbent governor of New York, seeking reelection in the 2026 midterm elections. Born in Buffalo, New York, she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Syracuse University and a Juris Doctor from Catholic University of America. Hochul’s career in public service spans local, state, and federal offices. She served as Erie County clerk, representing New York’s 26th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2013, and served as lieutenant governor of New York under Andrew Cuomo from 2015 to 2021. Hochul was appointed governor in 2021 upon Cuomo’s resignation and was subsequently elected to the office in 2022. As governor, Hochul has emphasized affordability, public safety, reproductive rights, climate action, and support for working- and middle-class families.  Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 3.

Alison Handel, SFGI Intern

A Los Angeles-native, Alison moved to New York to attend NYU where she studied international development and documentary filmmaking. After graduating, she was awarded a Fulbright grant to research migration patterns during the Brazilian Belle Epoque in Manaus, Brazil. She is currently pursuing a dual Master's of International Affairs/Juris Doctor degree with the Colin Powell School and CUNY Law.

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