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 since 2021. As a member of the Democratic Party, she holds the distinction of being the first female governor of New York. Furthermore, she is the first governor hailing from Upstate New York since 1922, marking a significant shift in the state's leadership.
2007: Opposed Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
In 2007, Kathy Hochul opposed legislation to provide driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.
2010: Opposed Paterson's License Plate Proposal
In 2010, Kathy Hochul opposed Governor David Paterson's proposal to raise revenue by requiring vehicle owners to buy new license plates, citing it as an example of her independence.
February 2012: Town Hall Meeting Booed for Remarks on Birth Control Coverage
In February 2012, Kathy Hochul was booed at a town hall meeting after making remarks about the Obama administration's requirement for employers to provide insurance coverage for birth control, leading to a clarification from her spokesman.
2012: Contempt of Congress Resolution
In 2012, Kathy Hochul joined Republicans in supporting a resolution finding Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress and highlighted her endorsement by the NRA.
May 30, 2018: Senate Republicans Shut Down Business
On May 30, 2018, Senate Republicans shut down business to avoid a vote on an abortion rights bill, where Kathy Hochul was prepared to cast a tie-breaking vote.
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.
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, with Kathy Hochul commenting on the "repulsive and unlawful behavior" documented in the Attorney General's report.
August 2021: Conflict of Interest Concerns
In August 2021, concerns were raised about a potential conflict of interest due to Kathy Hochul's husband's executive position at Delaware North.
March 2022: Agreement for New Buffalo Bills Stadium
In March 2022, Kathy Hochul reached an agreement to allocate $850 million in taxpayer funds for the construction of a new Buffalo Bills stadium, drawing criticism for corporate welfare and lack of scrutiny.
April 12, 2022: Brian Benjamin Resigns as Lieutenant Governor
On April 12, 2022, Brian Benjamin resigned from his position as Lieutenant Governor after being indicted on federal charges including bribery and wire fraud.
December 28, 2022: Signing of the Digital Fair Repair Act
On December 28, 2022, Kathy Hochul signed the Digital Fair Repair Act into law, but with an amendment that independent repair analysts allege undermines the bill's purpose.
2022: Lawsuit over Health Policy
In 2022, Kathy Hochul was sued in the New York State Supreme Court over a newly created state department of health policy regarding the detention of individuals suspected of contagious illness. The court ruled against Hochul, citing unconstitutionality.
January 1, 2023: Hochul Inaugurated, Nominates Hector LaSalle
On January 1, 2023, Kathy Hochul was inaugurated. One of her first actions was to nominate Hector LaSalle for chief judge of the New York Court of Appeals, which faced significant opposition.
April 2023: Use of Consulting Firms for State of the State Address
In April 2023, it was noted that Kathy Hochul employed consulting firms Deloitte and Boston Consulting Group in preparing her State of the State address, an arrangement described as unusual.
December 2023: Veto of Non-Compete Agreement Ban
In December 2023, Kathy Hochul vetoed legislation that would have banned non-compete agreements, siding with business interests over labor advocates.
February 2024: Remarks on Israel and Gaza, Apology
In February 2024, Kathy Hochul made controversial remarks implying support for Israel's actions in Gaza, comparing it to a hypothetical attack on Buffalo. Following backlash, she apologized for her "inappropriate analogy".
March 2024: National Guard Deployment 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 and proposed legislation to ban criminals from riding the subway.
May 2024: Controversial Remarks About Minority Children
In May 2024, Kathy Hochul faced criticism for saying that minority children in the Bronx "don't even know what the word 'computer' is." She later apologized for her remarks.
June 2024: Halted Congestion Pricing Plan
In June 2024, Kathy Hochul abruptly halted a congestion pricing plan in Manhattan.
June 2024: Proposal to Ban Face Masks on NYC Subway
In June 2024, Kathy Hochul proposed banning face masks on the New York City Subway in response to antisemitic acts by protesters, drawing criticism from civil liberties organizations.
November 2024: Revival of Congestion Pricing Plan with Toll Hikes
In November 2024, Kathy Hochul revived the congestion pricing plan with toll hikes to start at a reduced price of $9. It was implemented on January 5, 2025.
February 12, 2025: Department of Justice Lawsuit Over Immigration Handling
On February 12, 2025, the Department of Justice announced a lawsuit against Kathy Hochul and other New York officials 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, citing concerns about reproductive rights.
