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, a position she has held since 2021. As a member of the Democratic Party, her ascent to the governorship marks a historic milestone as she is the first woman to hold that office in New York.
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.
November 1994: Elected to Hamburg Town Board
In November 1994, Kathy Hochul was elected to a full term on the Hamburg Town Board.
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 Deputy Erie County Clerk
In May 2003, David Swarts, Erie County Clerk, appointed Kathy Hochul as his deputy.
2006: Reelected to Hamburg Town Board
In 2006, Kathy Hochul was reelected to the Hamburg Town Board.
January 2007: Swarts Named to Spitzer's Administration
In January 2007, Governor Eliot Spitzer named Erie County Clerk David Swarts to his 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, Governor Eliot Spitzer appointed Kathy Hochul to succeed David Swarts as Erie County Clerk.
November 6, 2007: Elected to Fill Remainder of Swarts's 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 Effort
On November 14, 2007, Governor Spitzer abandoned his effort to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.
2007: Appointed Erie County Clerk
In 2007, Kathy Hochul was appointed Erie County clerk and subsequently elected to a full term as Erie County clerk.
2007: Opposed Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
In 2007, as Erie County Clerk, Kathy Hochul opposed legislation to provide driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.
November 2010: Reelected as Erie County Clerk
In November 2010, Kathy Hochul was reelected as Erie County Clerk, defeating Clifton Bergfeld with 80% of the vote.
2010: Opposed New York License Plate Mandate
In 2010, Kathy Hochul opposed a New York proposal mandating that all drivers obtain new license plates, which was subsequently withdrawn.
2010: Reelected Erie County Clerk
In 2010, Kathy Hochul was reelected as Erie County clerk.
2010: Opposed License Plate Proposal
While campaigning for Congress, Kathy Hochul cited her opposition to Governor David Paterson's 2010 proposal to raise revenue by requiring all vehicle owners to buy new license plates as an example of her independence.
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: Ran in Special Election
On May 24, 2011, Kathy Hochul ran in the special election to fill the seat in New York's 26th congressional district.
June 2011: Opposed Funding Cuts for Commodity Futures Trading Commission
In June 2011, Kathy Hochul opposed legislation that would cut funding for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) by 44%, arguing it would benefit big oil companies and speculators at the expense of consumers.
September 17, 2011: Hochul Opposes Free Trade Agreements
On September 17, 2011, Robert J. McCarthy noted that Hochul and her election opponent Jack Davis both opposed free trade. Hochul stated her opposition to new free trade agreements under consideration and believes that agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA have suppressed U.S. wages and caused job loss.
2011: Hochul's Community Involvement
As of 2011, Hochul was a member of the board of trustees of Immaculata Academy in Hamburg, New York. She is also a founder of Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, and co-founded the Village Action Coalition.
2011: Favored Incentives for Alternative Energy
During her 2011 congressional campaign, Hochul favored offering incentives to develop alternative energy.
2011: Hochul Expresses Support for Affordable Care Act
In 2011, Hochul expressed her support for the Affordable Care Act passed by the 111th Congress and stated during her campaign that she would not vote to repeal it.
2011: Endorsements and Funding
In 2011, Kathy Hochul was endorsed by EMILY's List and received significant funding from them. She was also endorsed by The Democrat and Chronicle and The Buffalo News.
2011: Support for Tax Increases on High Earners and Consideration of Budget Cuts
While running for Congress in 2011, Hochul supported raising taxes on those making more than $500,000 per year and acknowledged the need for substantial cuts in the federal budget, considering cuts in all entitlement programs.
February 2012: Hochul Booed at Town Hall Meeting
In February 2012, during a town hall meeting, Hochul was booed for 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. A spokesman later said she had misspoken.
2012: Endorsed by the NRA
In 2012, Kathy Hochul "trumpeted" her endorsement by the NRA and noted that she was one of two New York Democrats to receive its support.
2012: Defeated for Reelection
In 2012, Kathy Hochul was defeated for reelection by Chris Collins following redistricting.
2012: Lost Election to Chris Collins
In 2012, after redistricting, Kathy Hochul lost to Republican Chris Collins, despite an endorsement from the NRA Political Victory Fund.
2013: End of Term as U.S. Representative
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 the delegates to the state Democratic convention.
2014: Selected as Lieutenant Governor Nominee
In 2014, Andrew Cuomo selected Kathy Hochul as his running mate for the New York gubernatorial election, leading to her inauguration as lieutenant governor after their victory.
January 1, 2015: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor
On January 1, 2015, Kathy Hochul was sworn in as lieutenant governor of New York.
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, Governor Cuomo named Kathy Hochul to the New York State Women's Suffrage 100th Anniversary Commemoration Commission.
May 30, 2018: Senate Republicans Shut Down Business
On May 30, 2018, Senate Republicans shut down business when Kathy Hochul entered the Senate chamber prepared to cast a tie-breaking vote on an abortion rights bill.
June 5, 2018: Presided over Senate 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 Senate to Reconvene
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.
2018: Defeated Jumaane Williams
In 2018, Kathy Hochul defeated Jumaane Williams in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor of New York and was reelected as Lieutenant Governor.
2018: Supported Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
In 2018, Kathy Hochul supported legislation to provide driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, reversing her stance from 2007 when she opposed it.
2018: Re-elected as Lieutenant Governor
In 2018, Kathy Hochul was re-elected as lieutenant governor alongside Governor Andrew Cuomo.
January 2019: Reproductive Health Act Passed
In January 2019, the Reproductive Health Act was reintroduced and passed with wide margins in the state House and Senate.
2019: Approval of Congestion Pricing Plan
In 2019, the congestion pricing plan was approved.
August 10, 2021: Cuomo Announced Resignation
On August 10, 2021, Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation as governor, effective August 24, due to accusations of sexual misconduct. Kathy Hochul praised his decision.
August 24, 2021: Became Governor of New York
On August 24, 2021, Kathy Hochul took office as governor of New York following Andrew Cuomo's resignation.
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.
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.
September 9, 2021: Brian Benjamin Sworn In
On September 9, 2021, Brian Benjamin was officially sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of New York, following his appointment by Kathy Hochul.
November 2021: Hochul Pushes to End Remote Work
In November 2021, Hochul advocated for ending remote work arrangements put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic and urged workers to return to their offices. She also proposed plans to redevelop Manhattan's Pennsylvania Station area, aiming to reduce density.
December 2021: Hochul Reinstates Indoor Mask Mandate
In December 2021, Governor Hochul announced the reinstatement of an indoor mask mandate in New York State, in response to the increasing spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
2021: Became Governor of New York
In 2021, Kathy Hochul became the 57th governor of New York, making her the first female governor of the state.
January 2022: Expansion of Vaccine Mandate and Eviction Moratorium Expiration
In January 2022, Hochul expanded the existing vaccine mandate for healthcare workers to include a booster shot requirement. Also in January 2022, she confirmed that New York's eviction moratorium would expire on January 15 and requested additional rent assistance from the federal government.
February 17, 2022: Endorsed for Governor
On February 17, 2022, the New York State Democratic Convention endorsed Kathy Hochul for governor.
March 2022: Agreement Reached for New Buffalo Bills Stadium
In March 2022, Kathy Hochul reached an agreement to allocate $850 million in taxpayer money for the construction of a new stadium for the Buffalo Bills, marking the largest taxpayer contribution ever for an NFL facility.
April 12, 2022: Brian Benjamin Resigns as Lieutenant Governor
On April 12, 2022, Brian Benjamin resigned from his position as Lieutenant Governor of New York after being indicted on federal charges, including bribery and wire fraud, allegedly committed during his time in the State Senate.
May 3, 2022: Antonio Delgado Selected as Lieutenant Governor
On May 3, 2022, Kathy Hochul selected U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado to serve as the Lieutenant Governor of New York.
June 22, 2022: $300 Million Plan to Rebuild Infrastructure
On June 22, 2022, Hochul announced a $300 million plan to rebuild infrastructure in western New York communities through public and private funding.
December 28, 2022: Signing of the Digital Fair Repair Act
On December 28, 2022, Hochul signed the Digital Fair Repair Act into law, but with amendments that independent repair analysts claim undermine its purpose, after delaying it allegedly due to lobbying efforts.
2022: Won Full Term as Governor
In 2022, Kathy Hochul won a full term in the New York gubernatorial election.
2022: Planned to Run for Governor
On 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 inaugurated as Governor of New York.
April 19, 2023: Confirmation of Rowan D. Wilson as Chief Judge
On April 19, 2023, the New York Senate confirmed Rowan D. Wilson as chief judge of the New York Court of Appeals, and Caitlin Halligan as associate judge, after Hochul's initial nominee was rejected.
July 2023: Hochul Waives Civil Service Exam Fees
In July 2023, Governor Hochul waived exam application fees for all New York State civil service exams through the end of 2025, to address a statewide workforce shortage and make it easier to join the state workforce.
December 2023: Veto of Non-Compete Agreement Ban
In December 2023, Governor Hochul vetoed legislation that would have banned non-compete agreements, amid lobbying from business interests.
2023: Hochul Advocates for Expedited Work Permits for Migrants
In 2023, Hochul advocated for the federal government to expedite work permits for migrants to address a surge of immigration to New York. She wrote to President Joe Biden, stating that allowing migrants to work legally would address both the humanitarian and workforce crises.
March 2024: Deployment of National Guard to NYC Subway System
In March 2024, Governor Hochul instituted a policy in coordination with Eric Adams to deploy 750 National Guard soldiers to the New York City subway system, empowering them to conduct random bag checks on subway-goers. She also proposed legislation to allow judges to ban criminals from riding the subway.
June 2024: Hochul Halts Congestion Pricing Plan
In June 2024, Kathy Hochul indefinitely halted the implementation of a congestion pricing plan for Manhattan, which had been expected to generate $1 billion annually for the MTA. The decision led to widespread backlash and she proposed raising the city's payroll tax for business owners to cover the lost revenue.
July 2024: Hochul Announces Intent to Run for Reelection
In July 2024, Kathy Hochul announced her intention to run for reelection as governor in 2026.
September 2024: Signing of The Retail Worker Safety Act
In September 2024, Kathy Hochul signed The Retail Worker Safety Act.
November 2024: Congestion Pricing Plan Revived with Toll Hikes
In November 2024, Kathy Hochul revived the congestion pricing plan with toll hikes. The plan was implemented on January 5, 2025.
December 2024: Veto of Casino Licensing Bill and EpiPen Cost Cap
In December 2024, Hochul vetoed a bill to speed up casino licensing in Queens and signed a law capping out-of-pocket costs for EpiPens at $100 yearly.
January 5, 2025: Congestion Pricing Plan Implemented
On January 5, 2025, The congestion pricing plan, revived in November 2024 by Kathy Hochul, was implemented.
January 2025: Proposal for Free Tuition at SUNY and CUNY
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: Department of Justice Sues Hochul Over Immigration Issues
On February 12, 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice was suing Hochul and other New York officials, including Letitia James, over their handling of immigration issues.
February 2025: Refusal of Extradition Request in Abortion Pill Case
In February 2025, Kathy Hochul refused an extradition request from Louisiana for a New York doctor indicted for mailing abortion pills.
2026: Hochul intends to run for re-election.
In 2026, Kathy Hochul intends to run for re-election as governer.
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