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 who has served 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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

February 2012: Town Hall Meeting Controversy

In February 2012, during a town hall meeting, Hochul faced backlash for her comments regarding the Obama administration's insurance coverage requirement for birth control.

August 2021: Potential conflict of interest reported

In August 2021, media reported on a potential conflict of interest between Hochul's role as governor and her husband's executive position at Delaware North. Measures were taken to prevent conflicts.

March 2022: Agreement with Buffalo Bills for New Stadium

In March 2022, Kathy Hochul reached an agreement with the Buffalo Bills for taxpayers to pay $850 million for the construction of a new stadium and its maintenance. The agreement was released shortly before the state budget was due. Funding partly came from the Seneca Nation.

December 28, 2022: Signed the Digital Fair Repair Act

On December 28, 2022, Kathy Hochul signed the Digital Fair Repair Act (Senate bill 4104-A) into law after delaying its signing and adding an amendment that equipment manufacturers "may provide assemblies of parts rather than individual components".

December 2023: Vetoed Legislation to Ban Non-Compete Agreements

In December 2023, Kathy Hochul vetoed legislation aimed at banning non-compete agreements, following lobbying efforts from business interests. Labor groups supported the bill, arguing against the harmful effects of such agreements on workers.

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

In February 2024, Kathy Hochul, during the Israeli invasion of Gaza, delivered a speech at a United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York event where she made remarks perceived as justifying the destruction of Gaza. She later apologized for her "inappropriate analogy" following criticism.

March 2024: Deployed 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 with the power to conduct random bag checks. She also proposed legislation to allow judges to ban criminals from riding the subway.

May 2024: Criticized for 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." She later apologized, regretting her remark.

June 2024: Indefinitely Halted Congestion Pricing Plan

In June 2024, Kathy Hochul indefinitely halted the implementation of a congestion pricing plan for Manhattan just weeks before it was set to begin. She later revived the plan in November 2024 with reduced charges, to be implemented on January 5, 2025.

June 2024: Proposed Banning Face Masks on NYC Subway

In June 2024, Kathy Hochul proposed banning face masks on the New York City Subway in response to groups of protesters allegedly engaging in antisemitic acts. The proposal drew criticism from organizations like the New York Civil Liberties Union.

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 Hochul and other New York officials over their handling of immigration issues.