Kathy Hochul

Hochul says she wants to make health care more affordable and protect access to coverage, including proposals in her 2026 State of the State agenda to lower costs and strengthen the health-care system. Her administration has also announced new affordable health care laws and additional health-system investments.

Hochul's economic agenda emphasizes affordability, tax relief, and targeted state investment in sectors such as semiconductors, quantum technology, biotechnology, and AI. She also highlights workforce development and support for small businesses as part of her job-growth strategy.

Hochul supports continuing New York's clean-energy transition while adjusting implementation to address affordability and utility costs. Her administration has paired climate goals with ratepayer protections, energy-efficiency investments, and support for a broader energy mix that includes renewables and nuclear power.

Hochul supports abortion access and broader reproductive-health protections in New York. She has signed legislation and announced funding to protect providers, expand access to abortion care, and reinforce New York's status as a safe haven for reproductive health care.

Hochul supports limiting state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in non-criminal matters and protecting immigrant New Yorkers from federal overreach. Her 2026 proposals also emphasize sensitive-location protections and access to public education for immigrant students.

Hochul supports stricter gun-safety laws and public-safety enforcement in New York, including measures targeting ghost guns, 3D-printed firearms, and rapid-conversion devices. Her administration has also tied gun policy to subway and street safety investments.

Hochul has expressed support for Ukraine and for Israel's security, while also emphasizing humanitarian concerns. Her public statements and state actions have included support for Ukrainian refugees and other Ukraine-related measures.

Hochul's agenda includes social-service, civil-rights, and equity-oriented policies such as hunger relief, mental health access, housing stability, and support for immigrant communities. She has also used state actions and proclamations to highlight protections for LGBTQ New Yorkers and other groups.

Hochul supports expanding early-childhood programs, improving reading and math instruction, and investing in teacher pipelines and higher-education access. Her 2026 agenda also includes tutoring, literacy reforms, and broader student-support initiatives.

Hochul supports a safety-focused AI policy agenda centered on transparency, consumer protection, and workforce readiness. She has signed AI-related legislation, proposed labeling and disclosure requirements, and expanded AI training for the state workforce.

Hochul supports expanding voting access and updating election administration in New York, including early voting, mail voting, and same-day registration proposals. She has signed voting-rights legislation and continued to back related reforms.

Hochul supports changes to New York's land-use and environmental review process to speed housing and infrastructure projects while preserving core environmental protections. Her 'Let Them Build' agenda seeks clearer timelines and fewer barriers for projects with limited environmental impact.