Facts About Kathy Hochul, New York’s First Female Governor
Kathy Hochul is the first female governor of New York. She was sworn in on January 1, 2021, and assumed office as the 56th governor of the state. She is a seasoned political veteran and has dedicated her life to public service. Many New Yorkers may not be familiar with her legislative record and remarkable accomplishments. Here are key facts about New York’s first female governor.
Early Life and Education
Kathy Hochul was born in 1958 and raised in Buffalo, New York. She graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Following her graduation, she attended the University at Buffalo School of Law and obtained a certificate in Refugee and Humanitarian Emergencies.
Political Career
Kathy Hochul’s political career began in 1999 when she was elected to the Hamburg Town Council. She was re-elected in 2003. Afterward, she was appointed Deputy Clerk of Erie County and later served as Deputy County Clerk and Commissioner of Jurors. In 2007, she won a seat in the New York State Assembly, representing the 142nd Assembly District. Hochul served in the assembly until 2011.
In 2011, she was elected as the United States Representative for New York’s 26th congressional district, a position she held for two terms. As a congresswoman, she was the leader of several initiatives, including one to expand Medicaid. Ahead of the 2018 New York gubernatorial election, she was selected as the gubernatorial running mate of Andrew Cuomo and was sworn in as lieutenant governor on January 1, 2021.
Achievements
Kathy Hochul’s dedication to public service has led to many accomplishments. She is a leader of meaningful legislation that has made New Yorkers’ lives better. Here are some of her most noteworthy achievements:
• She was a leader in the effort that helped pass the Child Victims’ Act, landmark legislation that expanded New Yorkers’ access to justice and accountability.
• Hochul made New York the first state in the nation to pass a new paid family leave policy.
• She was an advocate for the passage of the Transportation Infrastructure Security Bill which provided free E-ZPass transponders to VTPs, ending the “cash-on-the-hood” transaction system.
• She was instrumental in the passage of the state’s Marriage Equality Act.
• Hochul was a vocal opponent of the Trump Administration’s immigration policies and worked to ensure safe, secure and dignified treatment for all those affected.
Kathy Hochul for Governor
In 2018, Kathy Hochul ran for governor on the Andrew Cuomo ticket. She ran on a platform of progressive values and policies that would help build a brighter future for New York. She focused on economic development, job growth, health care reform, and environmental protection. She campaigned to create a clean energy future, and proposed investments in renewable energy sources, green infrastructure and energy efficiency. Hochul also called for an increase in minimum wage to $15.
Hochul and the Cuomo ticket won in a landslide victory and she was sworn in as lieutenant governor on January 1, 2021. With Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recent resignation, she is now the first female governor of New York.
Hochul and Women’s Advocacy
Kathy Hochul has been an advocate for women’s rights throughout her political career. She has been a leading voice in the fight for equitable treatment and fair pay for women. As a member of Congress, Hochul wrote several pieces of legislation to empower women in the workplace.
Hochul has devoted her entire career to the service of New York. She has always championed the rights of women and supports them in their fight for equality. She will continue to use her influence to ensure that every New Yorker has access to the resources they need to succeed.
Kathy Hochul is New York’s first female governor and is bringing her commitment to public service to her new role. She has dedicated her life to making New York a better place for all. From championing women’s rights to fostering economic growth, Hochul has the right vision to lead the state forward. She is breaking barriers and making history with her groundbreaking election as the first female governor of New York.