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 State. Her career has primarily been in public service.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

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.

August 2021: Reported Potential Conflict of Interest

In August 2021, media outlets reported on a potential conflict of interest between Kathy Hochul's role as governor and her husband's executive position at Delaware North, a casino and hospitality company.

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.

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.

February 2024: Hochul Apologizes for Remarks Regarding Israel and Gaza

In February 2024, Kathy Hochul, during a speech at a United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York event during the Israeli invasion of Gaza, made remarks implying that Israel had a right to destroy Gaza. Following criticism, Hochul apologized for her "inappropriate analogy".

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.

May 2024: Hochul Apologizes for Remarks About Minority Children in the Bronx

In May 2024, Kathy Hochul was criticized and later apologized for saying at a business conference that minority children growing up in the Bronx "don't even know what the word 'computer' is."

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.

June 2024: Hochul Proposes Ban on Face Masks on NYC Subway

In June 2024, Kathy Hochul proposed banning face masks on the New York City Subway, citing concerns about protesters conducting antisemitic acts. The proposal has drawn criticism from civil liberties organizations.

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.

January 5, 2025: Implementation of Congestion Pricing Plan

On January 5, 2025, the Congestion Pricing plan was implemented in New York City.

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.