Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kathy Hochul

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Kathy Hochul.

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

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.

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.

August 2021: Potential Conflict of Interest Reported

In August 2021, reports surfaced about a potential conflict of interest between Kathy Hochul's role as governor and her husband's executive position at Delaware North.

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.

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: Lawsuit Against Health Policy

In 2022, a citizens' group and state legislators sued Hochul over a state department of health policy that allowed for the potential involuntary detention of individuals suspected of exposure to contagious illnesses. A New York Supreme Court Justice ruled against Hochul on the grounds of unconstitutionality.

April 2023: Use of Consulting Firms for State of the State Address

In April 2023, it was reported that Kathy Hochul employed consulting firms Deloitte and Boston Consulting Group in preparing her State of the State address, a practice considered unusual.

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.

February 2024: Remarks on Israeli Invasion of Gaza and Subsequent Apology

In February 2024, during the Israeli invasion of Gaza, Kathy Hochul made controversial remarks implying support for Israel's actions at a United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York event, followed by an apology for her "inappropriate analogy".

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.

May 2024: Controversial Remarks About Minority Children in the Bronx

In May 2024, Kathy Hochul faced criticism for stating at a business conference that minority children growing up in the Bronx "don't even know what the word 'computer' is," for which she later apologized.

June 2024: Proposal to Ban Face Masks on NYC Subway

In June 2024, Governor Hochul proposed banning face masks on the New York City Subway, citing concerns about protesters using them to conceal their identities during antisemitic acts. The proposal has faced criticism for potentially targeting protesters and people of color.

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.

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.