Kathy Hochul makes history as NY’s first elected woman governor

New York Governor Kathy Hochul was sworn in for her first full elected term on Sunday, becoming the first woman elected to the position in the state’s history.

NEW YORK – New York Governor Kathy Hochul was sworn in on Sunday for her first full term in office, making her the state's first elected female governor. 

The Democrat, launching her term as the 57th governor of New York, said her goals were to increase public safety and to make the state more affordable.

"Right now there are some fights we have to take on," Hochul said after taking the oath of office at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. "First we must and will make our streets safer." Gov. Kathy Hochul sworn in as NY’s first female governor

New York Governor Kathy Hochul was sworn in on Sunday for her first full term in office, making her the state’s first elected female governor.

Hochul also called for making the state more affordable, citing the high cost of living.

“I didn’t come here to make history, I came here to make a difference.” New York Governor Kathy Hochul

Hochul took over for former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2021 after Cuomo resigned due to multiple accusations of sexual misconduct. She won a full term in office in November 2022, defeating Republican challenger Rep. Lee Zeldin.

The ceremony was held in Albany. 

New York Democratic U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer described her November victory as "breaking the glass ceiling."

During her time as governor, New York passed some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, some of which are experiencing court challenges.

"To my very core, I believe there is nothing we cannot accomplish together. And so we will," Hochul said. 

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Attorney General Letitia James and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli were also sworn in at the event. 

With the Associated Press.