One year ago, Gov. Kathy Hochul made history — sworn in as New York’s first woman governor.

Hochul pledged to overhaul some of Albany’s worst attributes, including what critics say was a culture of fear and intimidation set by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned due to a sexual harassment scandal. 

“I needed to change the culture,” Hochul told NY1. “And that is one of the hallmarks of what we achieved in a very short time. Bring in new people that are dedicated public servants who I will give credit.”

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Kathy Hochul says she has changed the culture in Albany for the better

  • That includes a better relationship with the New York City mayor

  • Hochul is running for her first full term in November

“I will liberate our commissioners to go out and do great things, make good decisions,” she continued. “Don’t worry about what I’m going to say. Just go do what you think is right. And that was a sea change for a lot of them.” 

Hochul said she has also worked very hard to change is the governor’s relationship with the New York City mayor. 

Cuomo and former Mayor Bill de Blasio feuded constantly, including during the worst public health crisis in a hundred years. 

Hochul has made a point of appearing alongside the Mayor Eric Adams in partnership, even when they disagree strongly on criminal justice issues like bail reform. 

“It is a relationship of respect. And we come at the kings sometimes from a little bit different perspective, but we always talk, we are always communicating with each other and we are making a difference. That’s what people want to see,” Hochul said.

Hochul says so far, the feedback she has been getting for the last year is positive.

She hears it from everyday New Yorkers, but also from leaders and the various stakeholders in state government. 

“From what I’m hearing from New Yorkers, and I’m out there every day speaking to them, they do feel that the temperature has been dropped,” she said. “The drama is down. We are rolling up our sleeves and getting things done for the betterment of them and not having epic clashes and battles for attention and battles for credit.”

Hochul is running for her first full-term as governor in November. She is facing Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin.

Most of the public polling has shown her with a substantial lead, including one this week that showed her ahead by over 20 points.