Kathy Hochul, born August 27, 1958, in Woodlawn, New York, is an American politician, attorney, and the 57th governor of New York since August 2021, marking her as the state's first female governor.[1][3][6] She earned a B.A. from Syracuse University and a J.D. from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.[3] Hochul's public service began on the Hamburg Town Board (1994–2007), where she supported small businesses.[2][4] She then served as Erie County deputy clerk (2003–2007) and clerk (2007–2011), during which she co-founded the Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for domestic violence victims.[2] In 2011, she won a special election to represent New York's 26th congressional district as a Democrat, defeating Republican Jane Corwin despite a Republican-leaning district; she served one term (2011–2013) on the Armed Services and Homeland Security committees, advocating for the Affordable Care Act, tax reforms, women's rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and alternative energy.[1][2][3] She lost reelection in 2012 after redistricting.[2] Selected as running mate by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Hochul served as lieutenant governor (2015–2021), chairing the Regional Economic Development Councils, co-chairing the Heroin and Opioid Task Force, leading the "Enough is Enough" campaign against campus sexual assault, and advancing paid family leave, child care access, and gender equity initiatives.[1][2][4][5] She visited all 62 counties annually to engage local communities.[7] Hochul ascended to governor after Cuomo's August 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations, promising transparency and collaboration.[1] Elected to a full term in November 2022, she advanced stalled COVID-19 measures like vaccine mandates, renewable energy projects, abortion rights protections, gun safety laws, school aid, minimum-wage increases, and public transit funding.[1][4] Challenges included failed housing reforms and a rejected chief judge nominee in 2023, amid criticisms of developer ties.[1] As of recent accounts, she continues leading New York's economic recovery, infrastructure, and social policies.[4][7]