Kathy Hochul — Democratic Candidate for Governor in New York, 2026

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.

““We will not allow the use of state resources to assist in federal immigration raids,” Governor Kathy Hochul, 2026 State of the State address, January 14, 2026.”

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.

“The 2026 State of the State agenda is grounded in a simple belief: government should make life more affordable, keep people safe, and expand opportunity – not shrink it." — Governor Kathy Hochul, in the foreword of her 2026 policy book, as quoted by cityandstateny.com.”

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.

““The New York climate agenda doesn’t pause for elections,” said Alliance co-chair New York Governor Hochul. “Since taking office, I have implemented some of the nation’s strongest actions on climate, and make no mistake, we’ll continue leading the transition to a zero carbon future no matter who is in the White House. The U.S. Climate Alliance and its governors filled the void of leadership during President-elect Trump’s first term and Americans can be assured we’re prepared to fill it again. Together, we’ll tap every ounce of our experience and authority to protect America’s progress and press forward.” (U.S. Climate Alliance, November 7, 2024)”

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.

“Reproductive freedom will always be protected in the State of New York — and I’ll never back down from this fight. I’m taking action to strengthen protections for health care professionals and their patients, ensuring New York is a safe haven for anyone providing or receiving reproductive care. At a time when fundamental rights are under attack across the country, we are doubling down on our commitment to safeguard access to reproductive health care and defend those on the frontlines of this battle." (Governor Kathy Hochul, governor.ny.gov)”

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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.

“I’ve said from the beginning: Your family is my fight. And in this moment, when the future feels full of promise, but under real threat: your future is my fight as well. I fight everyday to make life more affordable, keep people safe, and expand opportunity — not shrink it. My 2026 State of the State lays out a clear, actionable plan to meet the challenges families face today, while preparing New York for the road ahead.” - Governor Kathy Hochul, 2026 State of the State address (governor.ny.gov/news, 2026).”

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.