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Kathy Hochul

Kathy Hochul is an American lawyer and Democratic politician who has served as the 57th governor of New York since 2021.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kathy Hochul is an American lawyer and Democratic politician who has served as the 57th governor of New York since 2021. She is the first woman to hold the office of governor in New York State. Before becoming governor, she served as New York’s lieutenant governor, as a U.S. representative, and as Erie County clerk.

Early life and education

Kathy Hochul was born in Buffalo, New York, and was raised in Western New York. She studied at Syracuse University and later earned a law degree from Catholic University of America.

Political career

Hochul has held offices at the local, state, and federal levels, including deputy county clerk, Erie County clerk, U.S. representative, and lieutenant governor. She became governor in August 2021 and was later elected to a full term in 2022.

Governor of New York

As governor, Hochul succeeded Andrew Cuomo and became the first woman to lead New York State. She has continued in office beyond her initial appointment after winning statewide election.

Personal life

Hochul is married to Bill Hochul and has two children and two granddaughters. Public biographies also describe her as coming from a blue-collar Irish Catholic family.

Key facts

  • Hochul became governor of New York in 2021 after Andrew Cuomo resigned.
  • She is the first female governor in New York State history.
  • She was elected to a full term as governor in 2022.
  • Before serving as governor, she was New York’s lieutenant governor from 2015 to 2021.
  • She represented New York’s 26th congressional district in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2013.
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Canadian context

Kathy Hochul is relevant to Canadian readers because New York is a major neighbour of Ontario and Quebec, and her administration affects cross-border trade, transport, tourism, and regional policy issues.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kathy Hochul?
Kathy Hochul is an American politician and lawyer serving as governor of New York since 2021.
When did Kathy Hochul become governor?
She became governor on August 24, 2021, after Andrew Cuomo resigned.
Is Kathy Hochul New York’s first female governor?
Yes. She is the first woman to serve as governor of New York.
What political party is Kathy Hochul in?
She is a member of the Democratic Party.
What offices did Kathy Hochul hold before becoming governor?
She served as New York’s lieutenant governor, a U.S. representative, and Erie County clerk.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kathy-Hochul
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, and overview of political career including governor, U.S. representative, and county clerk roles.
  2. New York State — https://www.governor.ny.gov/about-governor-hochul
    Supports: Current office as 57th governor, first female governor, birthplace/raised in Western New York, and family details.
  3. Iowa State University Archives of Women's Political Communication — https://awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/directory/kathy-hochul
    Supports: Career chronology, education, birth details, and succession to governor in 2021.
  4. Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Kathy_Hochul
    Supports: Assumption of office date, 2022 election, party affiliation, and prior offices.