Kathy Hochul: New York's First Female Governor

Early Life and Career

Kathy Hochul was born in Buffalo, New York, on August 27, 1958. She graduated from Syracuse University in 1980 with a degree in political science. After working as a legislative aide in the New York State Assembly, she was elected to the Hamburg Town Board in 1994.

Hochul served on the Town Board for eight years before being elected to the Erie County Legislature in 2003. She served as Erie County Clerk from 2007 to 2011, when she was elected to the New York State Senate.

Lieutenant Governor

In 2014, Hochul was elected Lieutenant Governor of New York on a ticket with Governor Andrew Cuomo. She served as Lieutenant Governor for seven years, during which time she focused on economic development and infrastructure projects.

Governor of New York

In August 2021, Cuomo resigned as Governor of New York amid allegations of sexual harassment. Hochul, as Lieutenant Governor, became the first female Governor of New York.

Since becoming Governor, Hochul has focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, improving the state's economy, and investing in infrastructure and education.

Personal Life

Kathy Hochul is married to William Hochul, a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York. They have two children.