Who is New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul?

New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is set to make history as the first woman to lead the Empire State following the resignation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D). 

Cuomo announced Tuesday that he will resign after a report from state Attorney General Letitia James (D) found that he sexually harassed 11 women, including some he worked with, and that his office retaliated against one who tried to speak out.

“Kathy Hochul, my lieutenant governor, is smart and competent,” Cuomo said. “This transition must be seamless. We have a lot going on. I’m very worried about the delta variant, and so should you be, but she can come up to speed quickly.”

Hochul, 62, will become the 57th governor of New York when Cuomo’s resignation takes effect in 14 days. She will serve until the end of his term next year.

“As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor,” the former U.S. House member said on Twitter.

I agree with Governor Cuomo’s decision to step down. It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers.

As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor.

— Kathy Hochul (@LtGovHochulNY) August 10, 2021

Hochul was elected on a ticket with Cuomo in 2014, becoming the state’s 77th lieutenant governor. In this role, she serves as president of the New York State Senate and chairs the Regional Economic Development Councils.

Cuomo appointed Hochul to co-lead the state’s Heroin and Opioid Abuse Task Force, as well as to lead the his “Enough is Enough” campaign to combat sexual assault on college campuses.

Before becoming lieutenant governor, Hochul was a member of the House from 2011 to 2013 representing New York’s 26th District. She served on the House Armed Services and the House Homeland Security committees.

Prior to her time in Congress, she served as the Erie County clerk, the highest-ranking female elected official in the county.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement that Hochul will establish a “professional and capable administration.”

“I have spoken with Lt Governor Hochul and look forward to working together to help the people of New York,” Schumer said.

Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) told reporters that Hochul will be an “extraordinary governor.”

“She understands the complexities and needs of our state having been both a congresswoman, and having been lieutenant governor for the last several years,” Gillibrand said. “I look forward to supporting her and helping her as she turns towards governing our state, in a very difficult and challenging time.”

According to Politico, Hochul, a Buffalo native, will be the first New York governor since Franklin Roosevelt not to come from New York City or its immediate suburbs.