Governor →
KH
Kathy C. Hochul
Democratic · Working Families · Incumbent
Governor since 2021. Running mate: Adrienne E. Adams.
9 / 9
issues on record
Stances
Rent
Limit
New York should limit how much landlords can raise rents.
Limit
Don’t limit
Proposed, and signed in the May 2026 budget, raising the income limit for the programs that freeze rent for low-income seniors and disabled tenants, from $50,000 to $75,000. In 2024 she signed a budget that made yearly rent increases above 10% presumptively unreasonable for covered tenants.
Office of the Governor · 2026-01-13
Money in Your Pockets: Governor Hochul Unveils New Initiatives to Make New York More Affordable
↗
Office of the Governor · 2024-04-23
Governor Hochul and Advocates Celebrate Landmark Agreement to Address New York's Housing Crisis
↗
Drafted from the source. Not yet checked by a person.
Taxes
Mixed
New York should raise taxes on its highest earners to pay for public programs.
Raise
Don’t raise
Said in March 2026 that she philosophically does not object to higher taxes on the rich but worries they could drive top earners out, and the 2026 budget did not raise income tax rates. She backed a New York City tax on second homes worth $5 million or more, which the Legislature passed in 2026.
“So I, philosophically, don't have a problem, but I have to look at [the] fact that I am in competition with other states who have less of a tax burden on their corporations and their individuals”
NY1 · 2026-03-11
Hochul says new taxes could drive wealthy out of N.Y.
↗
Drafted from the source. Not yet checked by a person.
Bail
No change
Judges should have more power to hold people in jail before trial.
More power
No change
Has said judges already have the tools they need to decide who is held before trial, according to WXXI News. In 2023 she signed a change that gave judges more discretion.
WXXI News · 2026-08-17
Blakeman touts 'dangerousness standard' in setting bail, claiming crime is up
↗
NBC New York · 2023-04-27
NY Judges to Get More Power in Setting Bail, Part of $229B State Budget Deal: Hochul
↗
Drafted from the source. Not yet checked by a person.
Congestion pricing
Keep
The Manhattan congestion toll should stay.
Keep
End
After a March 2026 court ruling against the federal government's attempt to end the toll, she said the program is legal and will continue.
“Congestion pricing is legal, it works, and it is here to stay. The cameras are staying on.”
Office of the Governor · 2026-03-03
Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul
↗
Drafted from the source. Not yet checked by a person.
Immigration
Stay out
Local police should stay out of federal immigration enforcement.
Stay out
Take part
Signed the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act in 2026, which bars local governments and police from entering 287(g) agreements with ICE. The ban took effect August 25, 2026.
“Here in New York, we need local police focused on keeping our communities safe—not serving as de-facto ICE agents, not conducting civil immigration enforcement”
Office of the Governor · 2026-08-25
Keeping New Yorkers Safe: Governor Hochul Announces Local Cops, Local Crimes Provision Banning 287(G) Agreements Takes Effect
↗
Drafted from the source. Not yet checked by a person.
Climate law
Keep
New York should keep its 2019 climate law.
Keep
Repeal
Has not called for repealing the 2019 climate law; in March 2026 she wrote that she remains committed to it. The May 2026 budget she signed kept the law but delayed its deadlines and replaced its 2030 target with a 2040 target.
“I remain fully committed to the blueprint for a sustainable future laid out in that landmark legislation.”
Office of the Governor · 2026-03-20
ICYMI: Governor Hochul's Op-Ed in Empire Report: Climate Action and Affordability Can and Must Go Hand-In-Hand
↗
Drafted from the source. Not yet checked by a person.
Climate deadlines
Leaning don’t hold
New York should keep its climate law's current deadlines, with no more delays.
Hold
Don’t hold
Proposed and signed the May 2026 budget delaying CLCPA regulations to 2028; no stated position on further delays.
City & State New York · 2026-05-26
Hochul got most of the climate rollbacks she wanted in this year's budget
↗
Drafted from the source. Not yet checked by a person.
Abortion
Keep
Abortion should stay legal and accessible in New York as it is today.
Keep
Restrict
Criticized a May 2026 federal appeals ruling restricting the abortion pill mifepristone. She has signed laws protecting New York doctors who prescribe abortion medication by telehealth.
“New York will continue to be a safe harbor for anyone providing or receiving this vital care.”
Office of the Governor · 2026-05-02
Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul
↗
Drafted from the source. Not yet checked by a person.
Charter schools
Leaning allow more
New York should allow more charter schools.
Allow more
Keep cap
Backed lifting the charter cap in 2022 debate; proposed lifting NYC cap in 2023 budget; settled for reviving lapsed 'zombie' charters.
Chalkbeat New York · 2023-04-27
14 'zombie' charters would open in NYC under Albany budget deal
↗
Chalkbeat New York · 2022-11-09
Here's what Gov. Kathy Hochul's win could mean for New York schools
↗
This is from 2023. It may not be their position today.
Drafted from the source. Not yet checked by a person.
On the ballot
NYS Board of Elections · 2026-10-07
General Election Ballot Certification (Oct 7, 2026)
↗