The First Woman Governor of New York

On January 1, 2023, Democrat Kathy Hochul made history as she was sworn in as governor of New York.  Hochul, 64, became governor of New York after Andrew Cuomo resigned in 2021. She went on to win against Republican Lee Zeldin in the November election, becoming the first elected woman governor in New York ever and the first governor from western New York since the 1920s.  Hochul announced that she hopes to create more affordable housing, more jobs, and change gun and bail laws. In addition, she claimed to be especially focused on crime and public safety.

In her inaugural speech, Hochul also acknowledged the impact of her accomplishment by saying that “this day belongs to little girls and to young women who will grow up knowing that from this day forward, there are no barriers they can't overcome.”

Nevertheless, when initially asked about Hochul, Saniya Wugalter of 805 said, “I don’t know her.” She’s not the only one. Most people in MS 447 don’t know that Hochul was elected, or that she even exists.

But after telling Saniya about Hochul’s accomplishments, she admired, “In my opinion, she took a lot of courage to become the first woman governor and probably persuaded a lot of women to do a lot of things that men do.” 

Esma Ada of 805 stated, “I think it is the most amazing accomplishment and that she should receive an award to remember her amazing beautiful self. #girlpower #slay.”

Before becoming governor, Hochul served in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2013, then as the New York lieutenant governor from 2015 to 2021.

Hochul also inherited a plan from the previous governor Andrew Cuomo to redevelop Penn Station. If the plan is approved, the government would be able to demolish several “blighted” blocks around the station. In her idea, Hochul proclaimed that this will “build a more sustainable, livable city.”

“I don’t know a ton about the topic, but I feel like it’s a pretty cruel move to force people out of their homes for the sake of making something look better. Especially in New York where it’s hard enough to find a place to live,” argued Harper Tetzloff of 804.

Another of Hochul’s controversial actions is her choice to nominate Hector LaSalle for chief state judge, which means the leader of the highest court in the state. However, the choice has received backlash because of LaSalle’s history of being conservative and anti-abortion. On January 18th, following a five-hour hearing, the state’s Senate Judiciary Committee voted 10-9 against LaSalle. Despite this, Hochul has continued supporting LaSalle, saying that “while this was a thorough hearing, it was not a fair one.”

Even though Hochul made history and broke barriers as a woman in power, it’s also important to see what she’ll do with that power. Because although making history is great, it would be better for the people of New York to remember her as a good governor, rather than just as the first woman governor of New York. The people can only wait and see what impact she will choose to have.

“Although the governor is a woman and that’s amazing I don’t think that is something she should do. And it’s quite rude,” declared Esma Ada of 805.