Incumbent
Polling Average
60%50%40%30%20%10%0%
51.8%
12.8%
10.3%
New York Democratic Governor nominee?
$212.9K
JUN 27, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleGovernor
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age67 years old (Aug 27, 1958)
GenderFemale
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LocationNew York
BackgroundAttorney
EducationSyracuse University (BA, Political Science)
Notable personal detailsKathleen Courtney "Kathy" Hochul is an American attorney and politician serving as the 57th governor of New York (since 2021) and the first woman to hold the office. She previously served as New York's lieutenant governor (2015–2021), as a member of the U.S. House representing New York's 26th Congressional District (2011–2013), and as Erie County Clerk. She began her public service career in local government in the Town of Hamburg.
SourcesShowHide
governor.ny.govhistory.house.goven.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orges.wikipedia.orgbritannica.comru.ruwiki.ruru.wikipedia.orgas.comaxios.comapnews.cominfobae.comtime.comwiki2.orgmemo.odonnellsolutions.comweos.orglavocedinewyork.comcbsnews.comny.govnyserda.ny.govabcnews.go.comwashingtonpost.combloomberg.comstatic.politico.comnga.orgcongress.govhouse.govespaillat.house.govfec.govballotready.orgdocs.house.govstefanik.house.govlalota.house.govkennedy.house.govlawler.house.govagriculture.senate.govhelp.senate.govnaturalresources.house.govnadler.house.govtenney.house.govoversight.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports targeted relief for middle- and lower-income New Yorkers (middle‑class tax cuts, inflation refund checks, expanded child tax credit and other credits) while maintaining or extending higher rates on top earners and using revenue to fund expanded social programs and services rather than broad tax cuts for corporations. Budget proposals emphasize no across‑the‑board income or corporate tax rate increases but preserve progressive rate structure and investments in childcare, education, and social services.
Healthcare
Kathy Hochul supports expanding access to affordable health care through strengthened Medicaid, large state investments in hospitals and safety-net programs, and policy initiatives to broaden coverage and services for New Yorkers. Her administration has created a Commission on the Future of Health Care, increased Medicaid funding and provider reimbursements, and proposed state-level programs to expand benefits and services. These positions emphasize public program expansion and access improvements rather than privatization or Medicare-for-All advocacy.
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Immigration & Border
Supports protecting asylum access and expanding legal work authorization and federal support for asylum seekers in New York; opposes large-scale mass deportations and directs limited state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement (e.g., warrants or terrorism/watchlist cases).
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports preserving and expanding legal access to abortion and reproductive health care in New York, has signed multiple laws to protect patients and providers (including telehealth and shield laws), and describes New York as a safe harbor for abortion care. Advocates resisting out-of-state abortion restrictions and has taken executive actions and endorsements of legislation to strengthen abortion access and provider protections.
Climate & Energy
Supports aggressive clean-energy and emissions-reduction policies including New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act targets, large state investments in offshore wind and a $1 billion Sustainable Future program, and commitments to building decarbonization and heat-pump deployment. Prioritizes transitioning the electricity sector to zero emissions (targeted by 2040), major renewable procurement (including offshore wind), and programs to electrify buildings and support disadvantaged communities in the clean-energy transition.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports strong, expanded gun safety laws including closing loopholes on assault weapons and ghost guns, strengthening and expanding red flag laws, and expanding background-check and other restrictions to reduce gun violence. Has signed multiple statewide bills to tighten gun laws and proposed significant investments to combat gun violence and illegal firearms. Calls for federal action to complement New York’s measures.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMar 14, 2026
New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has ended his Democratic primary challenge to Gov. Kathy Hochul, saying he no longer saw a viable path forward. His exit leaves Hochul as the likely Democratic nominee for governor and follows Hochul consolidating party support, including a key endorsement from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Reports also note Delgado struggled to secure backing at the State Democratic convention and did not win an endorsement from the Working Families Party.
governor.ny.gov+40
Articles
FNFox News4 months ago
Hochul primary challenger Antonio Delgado drops out of NY governor race
Positive
NYNew York Daily News4 months ago
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado pulls plug on sputtering challenge to Hochul
Positive
PPOLITICO4 months ago
Delgado drops campaign against Hochul for NY governor
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TNThe New York Times4 months ago
Antonio Delgado Drops Out of NY Governor Race
Positive
Polls
New York Democratic Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
New York Democratic Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Kathy Hochul for New York Democratic Governor nominee?
Zohran Mamdani
Elected official
Zohran Mamdani endorsed Kathy Hochul for reelection as New York governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising