Kathy Hochul is 63 years old, was born in Buffalo, New York, and is currently the 57th and first woman Governor of New York. She went to school at Syracuse University for her Bachelor’s Degree then attended the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. to receive her law degree.  

After graduating, she got a job at a large law firm in Washington D.C. and then worked for Congressman John LaFalce and Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan as a Legal Council and Legislative Assistant. Prior to being Lieutenant governor for about 6 years (2015-2021) and the current governor of NY, she served as a Board member to a town just outside of where she was born- Hamburg, NY- for about 14 years (1994-2007). After this, she proceeded to become an Erie Canal Clerk for 4 years (2007-2011). Following her time in local politics, she became a member of Congress and represented New York’s 26th Congressional District for 2 years (2011-2013). In 2006 Hochul, alongside her mother and aunt, founded the Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for victims of domestic violence.

Congresswoman Hochul also served on the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, in which she had the opportunity to travel to Afghanistan and meet with active duty soldiers. 

As lieutenant governor, her main goal seemed to be job creation and overall economic development. Hochul helped manage the Covid-19 state response and advocated for New York’s increase in strength and inclusivity upon Covid recovery. Additionally, she was the Co-chair of the state’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force and brainstormed with community members and experts about ways to help stop the opioid crisis and create a plan for a state solution.

Kathy Hochul has advocated for many pieces of legislations including the ‘Enough is Enough’ law that prevents sexual assault on college campuses, and trying to make the workplace and everyday life in general safe from sexual harassment and discrimination. She has also advocated for the paid family leave program, affordable child care, and is currently trying to eliminate the gender wage gap. Hochul was also the Chair of the State’s Women’s Suffrage Commission, and the Co-chair of New York’s Child Care Availability Task Force.

Recently, she has assisted in disaster relief & response for Hurricane Ida survivors and promoted the dispersion of vaccines (#Vaxtoschool) made available through Covid-19 boosters shots for adults and vaccines for all kids 5 years and up. As of December 7th, 2021, she is to help resettle Afghan refugees in NYS and specifically has $2 million in state funding going towards this program.