Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kathy Hochul
How Kathy Hochul built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Kathy Hochul is an American politician and lawyer currently serving as the 57th Governor of New York since 2021. As a member of the Democratic Party, she holds the distinction of being the first female governor of New York State. Her career has primarily been in public service.
1910: First Governor From Western New York Since 1910
Kathy Hochul is the first governor from Western New York since Horace White in 1910.
1922: First Governor From North of Hyde Park Since 1922
Kathy Hochul is the first governor from north of Hyde Park since Nathan L. Miller in 1922.
1932: First Governor From Outside New York City and Its Immediate Suburbs Since 1932
Kathy Hochul is the first New York governor from outside New York City and its immediate suburbs since 1932 when Franklin Delano Roosevelt left office.
1982: Closest Democratic Victory Since 1982
In 2022, Kathy Hochul won a full term in office, defeating Republican nominee Lee Zeldin in the closest New York gubernatorial election since 1994 and the closest Democratic victory since 1982.
January 3, 1994: Appointed to Hamburg Town Board
On January 3, 1994, Kathy Hochul was appointed to the vacant seat on the Hamburg Town Board after Patrick H. Hoak's resignation.
November 1994: Elected to Hamburg Town Board
In November 1994, Kathy Hochul was elected to a full term on the Hamburg Town Board.
1994: Narrowest New York Gubernatorial Election Since 1994
In 2022, Hochul won the narrowest New York gubernatorial election since 1994.
1998: Reelected to Hamburg Town Board
In 1998, Kathy Hochul was reelected to the Hamburg Town Board.
2002: Reelected to Hamburg Town Board
In 2002, Kathy Hochul was reelected to the Hamburg Town Board.
May 2003: Appointed as Erie County Deputy Clerk
In May 2003, Kathy Hochul was appointed as the Erie County Deputy Clerk by David Swarts.
2006: Reelected to Hamburg Town Board
In 2006, Kathy Hochul was reelected to the Hamburg Town Board.
January 2007: Swarts Appointed to Spitzer Administration
In January 2007, Erie County Clerk David Swarts was appointed to Governor Eliot Spitzer's administration.
April 10, 2007: Resigned from Hamburg Town Board
On April 10, 2007, Kathy Hochul resigned from the Hamburg Town Board.
April 2007: Appointed Erie County Clerk
In April 2007, Kathy Hochul was appointed as Erie County Clerk, succeeding David Swarts.
November 6, 2007: Elected to Fill Erie County Clerk Term
On November 6, 2007, Kathy Hochul was elected to fill the remainder of David Swarts's term as Erie County Clerk.
November 14, 2007: Spitzer Abandoned Driver's License Proposal
On November 14, 2007, Governor Spitzer abandoned his effort to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses after opposition including from Kathy Hochul.
2007: Appointed and Elected Erie County Clerk
In 2007, Kathy Hochul was appointed as Erie County Clerk and subsequently elected to a full term in the same position.
2007: Opposed Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
In 2007, as Erie County Clerk, Kathy Hochul opposed driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, reversing her position in 2018.
November 2010: Reelected as Erie County Clerk
In November 2010, Kathy Hochul was reelected as Erie County Clerk, defeating Republican Clifton Bergfeld with 80% of the vote.
2010: Opposed New York License Plate Mandate
In 2010, Kathy Hochul opposed a New York proposal to mandate new license plates for all drivers, which was later withdrawn.
2010: Opposed Driver's License Program
In 2010, Kathy Hochul opposed then-Governor Eliot Spitzer's driver's license program for undocumented immigrants and David Paterson's proposal to raise revenue by requiring vehicle owners to buy new license plates, citing her independence.
2010: Reelected as Erie County Clerk
In 2010, Kathy Hochul was reelected as Erie County Clerk.
May 2011: Won Special Election for NY's 26th Congressional District
In May 2011, Kathy Hochul won a special election for New York's 26th congressional district, becoming the first Democrat to represent the district in 40 years.
May 24, 2011: Won Special Election for Congress
On May 24, 2011, Kathy Hochul won the special election to fill the seat in New York's 26th congressional district.
June 2011: Hochul Opposed Funding Cuts for CFTC
In June 2011, Kathy Hochul opposed legislation that would cut funding for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) by 44%, arguing that it would benefit Big Oil companies and speculators.
September 17, 2011: Opposition to Free Trade
On September 17, 2011, Robert J. McCarthy noted that Kathy Hochul and her election opponent Jack Davis both opposed free trade. Hochul cited the failures of NAFTA and expressed willingness to stand up to her own party. She opposed new free trade agreements, believing that agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA have suppressed U.S. wages and caused job loss.
2011: Hochul Favored Incentives for Alternative Energy Development
During her 2011 congressional campaign, Kathy Hochul favored offering incentives to develop alternative energy sources.
2011: Support for the Affordable Care Act
In 2011, Kathy Hochul expressed her support for the Affordable Care Act passed by the 111th Congress and stated that she would not vote to repeal it.
2011: Endorsements and Support in 2011
In 2011, Kathy Hochul received endorsements from EMILY's List, The Democrat and Chronicle, and The Buffalo News during her campaign.
2011: Founding Kathleen Mary House and Involvement in Community Organizations
In 2011, Kathy Hochul was a founder of Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, and served on the organization's board. She also co-founded the Village Action Coalition and was a member of the board of trustees of Immaculata Academy in Hamburg, New York.
2011: Support for Tax Increases and Budget Cuts
In 2011, while running for Congress, Kathy Hochul supported raising taxes on individuals earning over $500,000 annually and acknowledged the necessity for significant cuts in the federal budget, considering cuts to entitlement programs, except for the Republican plan for Medicare. She proposed eliminating waste in Medicare and bulk purchasing of prescription drugs to save costs.
February 2012: Town Hall Controversy over Birth Control Coverage
In February 2012, during a town hall meeting, Kathy Hochul received boos after stating that the federal government was "not looking to the Constitution" regarding the Obama administration's requirement for employers to provide insurance coverage for birth control. Her spokesman later stated that she had misspoken.
2012: Lost Reelection Bid for Congress
In 2012, Kathy Hochul lost her reelection bid for Congress to Republican Chris Collins, after redistricting made the district more Republican.
2012: Supported Contempt Resolution and Endorsed by NRA
In 2012, Kathy Hochul supported a resolution finding Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress and was endorsed by the NRA.
2012: Narrowly Defeated for Reelection
In 2012, Kathy Hochul was narrowly defeated for reelection by Chris Collins following redistricting.
2013: Served as U.S. Representative Ended
In 2013, Kathy Hochul's service as a U.S. representative ended.
May 22, 2014: Endorsed for Lieutenant Governor
On May 22, 2014, Kathy Hochul was formally endorsed for Lieutenant Governor by delegates to the state Democratic convention, after being named as Andrew Cuomo's choice for the position.
2014: Selected as Andrew Cuomo's Running Mate
In 2014, Andrew Cuomo selected Kathy Hochul as his running mate for the New York gubernatorial election; they later won and she became Lieutenant Governor.
January 1, 2015: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor
On January 1, 2015, Kathy Hochul was sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of New York, after winning the general election with Andrew Cuomo.
2015: Spearheaded 'Enough is Enough' Campaign
In 2015, Kathy Hochul spearheaded Governor Cuomo's "Enough is Enough" campaign to combat sexual assault on college campuses.
March 2016: Named to Women's Suffrage Commission
In March 2016, Kathy Hochul was named to the New York State Women's Suffrage 100th Anniversary Commemoration Commission by Governor Cuomo.
May 30, 2018: State Senate Republicans Blocked Vote on Abortion Rights Bill
On May 30, 2018, State Senate Republicans shut down business to prevent Kathy Hochul from casting a tie-breaking vote on a hostile amendment to an abortion rights bill.
June 5, 2018: Presided Over Veto Override
On June 5, 2018, Kathy Hochul presided over the Senate chamber when Senate Republicans overrode Governor Cuomo's veto of a bill relating to full-day kindergarten classes.
July 2018: Called for Passage of Reproductive Health Act
In July 2018, Kathy Hochul called upon the Republican-led State Senate to reconvene to pass the Reproductive Health Act, citing the potential confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
2018: Cuomo and Hochul Reelected
In 2018, Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul were reelected as Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New York.
2018: Defeated Jumaane Williams in Democratic Primary
In 2018, Kathy Hochul defeated Jumaane Williams in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor and subsequently won the general election with Andrew Cuomo.
2018: Supported Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
In 2018, Kathy Hochul supported legislation to provide driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, reversing her previous stance from 2007.
January 2019: Reproductive Health Act Passed
In January 2019, The Reproductive Health Act, which Kathy Hochul advocated for, was reintroduced and passed in the state House and Senate.
August 10, 2021: Cuomo Announced Resignation
On August 10, 2021, Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation as governor, effective August 24, amidst accusations of sexual misconduct; Kathy Hochul praised his decision to resign.
August 24, 2021: Became Governor of New York
On August 24, 2021, Kathy Hochul took office as the Governor of New York after Andrew Cuomo resigned.
August 24, 2021: Sworn in as Governor
On August 24, 2021, Kathy Hochul was sworn in as Governor of New York, becoming the state's first female governor and the first governor from outside NYC and its suburbs since 1932.
August 26, 2021: Hochul Appoints Brian Benjamin as Lieutenant Governor
On August 26, 2021, Kathy Hochul appointed State Senator Brian Benjamin as the Lieutenant Governor of New York, marking a key decision in shaping her administration.
September 9, 2021: Brian Benjamin Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor
On September 9, 2021, Brian Benjamin was officially sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of New York, formalizing his role in Kathy Hochul's administration.
November 2021: Hochul Pushes for Return to Office Work and Announces Plans for Penn Station Redevelopment
In November 2021, Kathy Hochul advocated for ending remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic and pushed for workers to return to offices. Additionally, in November 2021, she presented plans to redevelop Manhattan's Pennsylvania Station and the surrounding neighborhood, aiming to reduce density in the area.
2021: Became the 57th Governor of New York
In 2021, Kathy Hochul became the 57th Governor of New York, and the first female governor of the state.
February 17, 2022: Endorsed for Governor at State Democratic Convention
On February 17, 2022, Kathy Hochul was endorsed for governor by the New York State Democratic Convention.
March 2022: Hochul Reaches Agreement for New Buffalo Bills Stadium Funding
In March 2022, Kathy Hochul reached an agreement with the Buffalo Bills to allocate $850 million in taxpayer money for the construction of a new stadium. This agreement faced criticism due to its large taxpayer contribution and the circumstances of its approval close to the state budget deadline. Part of the funding came from a payment from the Seneca Nation of New York.
April 12, 2022: Brian Benjamin Resigns as Lieutenant Governor After Indictment
On April 12, 2022, Brian Benjamin resigned from his position as Lieutenant Governor following his indictment on federal charges including bribery and wire fraud. These alleged crimes occurred during his tenure as a State Senator, and he has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
May 3, 2022: Hochul Selects Antonio Delgado as Lieutenant Governor
On May 3, 2022, Kathy Hochul selected U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado to serve as the Lieutenant Governor of New York, filling the vacancy left by Brian Benjamin's resignation.
June 22, 2022: Hochul Announces $300 Million Plan to Rebuild Western New York Infrastructure
On June 22, 2022, Kathy Hochul announced a $300 million plan to rebuild infrastructure in western New York communities, utilizing both public and private funding.
December 28, 2022: Hochul Signs Amended Digital Fair Repair Act
On December 28, 2022, Kathy Hochul signed the Digital Fair Repair Act (Senate bill 4104-A) into law, which was delayed and included an amendment allowing equipment manufacturers to provide assemblies of parts rather than individual components. This action has been met with controversy and claims it undermines the bill's original purpose.
2022: Won a Full Term as Governor
In 2022, Kathy Hochul won a full term in the election against Lee Zeldin, in the narrowest New York gubernatorial election since 1994.
2022: Confirmed Plans to Run for Full Term
In August 12, 2021, Kathy Hochul confirmed that she planned to run for a full term as governor in 2022.
January 1, 2023: Hochul Inaugurated
On January 1, 2023, Kathy Hochul was officially inaugurated as governor.
April 2023: Hochul Employs Consulting Firms for State of the State Address
In April 2023, Kathy Hochul's employment of Deloitte and Boston Consulting Group to prepare her State of the State address was noted by The New York Times as an "unusual, and possibly novel" arrangement.
April 19, 2023: Senate Confirms Rowan D. Wilson and Caitlin Halligan for Court of Appeals
On April 19, 2023, the New York Senate confirmed Rowan D. Wilson as chief judge and Caitlin Halligan as associate judge for the Court of Appeals, following the rejection of Hochul's initial nominee, Hector LaSalle.
July 2023: Civil Service Exam Fees Waived
In July 2023, Governor Hochul addressed a statewide workforce shortage by waiving exam application fees for all New York State civil service exams through the end of 2025.
December 2023: Hochul Vetoes Legislation to Ban Non-Compete Agreements
In December 2023, Kathy Hochul vetoed legislation aimed at banning non-compete agreements, influenced by lobbying from business interests who argued against the bill, while labor groups supported the ban to protect workers' rights.
2023: Advocacy for Expedited Work Permits for Migrants
In 2023, Kathy Hochul advocated for the federal government to expedite work permits for migrants to address a surge of immigration to New York, writing to President Joe Biden to allow them to work legally.
March 2024: Hochul Deploys National Guard to NYC Subway System
In March 2024, Kathy Hochul, in coordination with Eric Adams, instituted a policy to deploy 750 National Guard soldiers to the NYC subway system, empowering them to conduct random bag checks. She also proposed legislation to allow judges to ban criminals from riding the subway.
June 2024: Hochul Halts Congestion Pricing Plan in Manhattan
In June 2024, Kathy Hochul indefinitely halted the implementation of a congestion pricing plan in Manhattan weeks before it was scheduled to take effect. This decision faced widespread backlash and has led to financial and logistical challenges for the MTA.
July 2024: Hochul Announces Intention to Run for Reelection in 2026
In July 2024, Kathy Hochul publicly stated her intention to run for reelection as governor in 2026.
September 2024: Hochul Signs The Retail Worker Safety Act
In September 2024, Kathy Hochul signed The Retail Worker Safety Act into law.
November 2024: Hochul Revives Congestion Pricing Plan with Reduced Charge
In November 2024, Kathy Hochul revived the congestion pricing plan with the charge for most passenger vehicles reduced from $15 to $9.
December 2024: Hochul Vetoes Casino Bill and Signs EpiPen Cost Cap Law
In December 2024, Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill to expedite the licensing of new casinos in Queens and signed a law capping out-of-pocket costs for EpiPens at $100 yearly.
January 5, 2025: Implementation of Congestion Pricing Plan
On January 5, 2025, the Congestion Pricing plan was implemented in New York City.
January 2025: Hochul Proposes Free Tuition for Select Associate Degree Programs
In January 2025, Kathy Hochul announced a proposal to provide free tuition for specific associate degree programs at State and City University of New York schools.
February 12, 2025: Lawsuit over Immigration Handling
On February 12, 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice was suing Kathy Hochul and other New York officials, including Letitia James, regarding their handling of immigration issues.
February 2025: Hochul Refuses Extradition Request in Abortion Pill Case
In February 2025, Kathy Hochul refused an extradition request from Louisiana for a New York doctor who was indicted for mailing abortion pills to a woman in Louisiana, who allegedly forced her pregnant minor daughter to take them.
2025: Civil Service Exam Fees Waived
In July 2023, Governor Hochul addressed a statewide workforce shortage by waiving exam application fees for all New York State civil service exams through the end of 2025.
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