Who Is Running for Governor of New York in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Kathy Hochul
(Incumbent)Economy
HighGovernor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address outlined over 200 initiatives focused on job creation, economic growth, and affordability. Her agenda prioritizes community development, revitalizing the economy, and cementing New York as a center for innovation. Proposals include universal child care, affordable housing, lower energy bills, and investments in infrastructure, driven by a belief in expanding opportunity for New Yorkers.
Immigration
HighGovernor Kathy Hochul opposes the use of state resources to assist in federal immigration raids. She has proposed banning 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE, and seeks to expand protected locations like schools and hospitals from civil immigration enforcement. Her stance aims to affirm New York's support for immigrant communities and prevent perceived abuses of power.
Healthcare
HighGovernor Kathy Hochul's 2026 healthcare agenda focuses on strengthening New York's system by expanding coverage, reducing consumer costs, and stabilizing the health workforce. She proposes initiatives like converting the Essential Plan to a Basic Health Program, directing the NYSDOH to negotiate drug prices for Medicaid, and reforming prior authorization processes for improved patient care. These efforts aim to enhance affordability, accessibility, and the overall quality of healthcare for New Yorkers.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Kathy Hochul |
|---|---|
| Economy | Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address outlined over 200 initiatives focused on job creation, economic growth, and affordability. Her agenda prioritizes community development, revitalizing the economy, and cementing New York as a center for innovation. Proposals include universal child care, affordable housing, lower energy bills, and investments in infrastructure, driven by a belief in expanding opportunity for New Yorkers. High |
| Immigration | Governor Kathy Hochul opposes the use of state resources to assist in federal immigration raids. She has proposed banning 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE, and seeks to expand protected locations like schools and hospitals from civil immigration enforcement. Her stance aims to affirm New York's support for immigrant communities and prevent perceived abuses of power. High |
| Healthcare | Governor Kathy Hochul's 2026 healthcare agenda focuses on strengthening New York's system by expanding coverage, reducing consumer costs, and stabilizing the health workforce. She proposes initiatives like converting the Essential Plan to a Basic Health Program, directing the NYSDOH to negotiate drug prices for Medicaid, and reforming prior authorization processes for improved patient care. These efforts aim to enhance affordability, accessibility, and the overall quality of healthcare for New Yorkers. High |
| Climate & Energy | Governor Kathy Hochul supports nuclear energy and has proposed measures to expand solar energy in schools and require data centers to fund grid upgrades. She aims to protect natural resources, hold polluters accountable, and build resilient communities, ensuring a stronger, cleaner, and more secure energy future for New Yorkers. However, her administration has hinted at potentially adjusting the state's climate law to manage energy transition costs. She also emphasized that New York's climate agenda will continue regardless of federal leadership. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Kathy Hochul is an abortion rights champion who has taken actions to ensure New York remains a leader in protecting reproductive rights. She signed legislation affirming New York as a safe haven for reproductive care, strengthening protections for healthcare professionals and patients. Hochul also directed a $35 million investment in reproductive health care providers and advocated for broader access to medication abortion and contraception. She was endorsed by Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Votes PAC. High |
| Foreign Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Education | Governor Kathy Hochul's 2026 State of the State address proposed advancing educational equity through universal child care, investments in data systems, higher education aid, and high-impact tutoring. She supports professional learning aligned with the science of reading and aims to strengthen schools and colleges. Her initiatives focus on expanding opportunities and making education more affordable for New York families. EdTrust-New York praised her proposals. High |
| Gun Policy | Candidate Kathy Hochul proposed gun law reforms in 2026 to strengthen New York's gun laws and reduce gun violence. Her proposals include establishing criminal penalties for manufacturing 3D-printed firearms and mandating safety standards for 3D printer manufacturers to prevent firearm creation. She also seeks to require gun manufacturers to design pistols that cannot be easily modified into illegal machine guns and mandates police departments to report 3D-printed gun recoveries. Medium |
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