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New York

Governor of New York

Election day · November 3, 2026

Statewide race. Each issue below lists every candidate's stance, what they have said in their own words, and the policies they say they want to implement — with sources.

Head to head

Leading Republican

Lee Zeldin

Republican · Former U.S. Representative · Challenger

Lee Zeldin was the Republican nominee for Governor of New York in 2022. He previously served four terms as a U.S. Representative representing New York's 1st Congressional District and served in the State Senate.

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Leading Democrat

Kathy Hochul

Democratic · Governor of New York · Incumbent

Kathy Hochul is the 57th Governor of New York, serving since August 2021 following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo. She previously served as Lieutenant Governor of New York and as a U.S. Representative.

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The issues

Abortion

Lee Zeldin

Opposes

Opposes state legislation expanding abortion access and supports restrictions on public funding for abortion procedures.

In their words

  • “I am a pro-life candidate for governor.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Restrictions on state taxpayer funding for abortion

Kathy Hochul

Supports

Supports protecting and expanding access to abortion care through state constitutional protections, provider funding, and legal shields for patients.

In their words

  • “New York will always be a safe harbor for women seeking reproductive healthcare.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Codify reproductive rights in state constitution
  • Funding grants for abortion providers

Immigration

Lee Zeldin

Opposes

Opposes sanctuary jurisdiction policies and favors increased law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agencies.

In their words

  • “We must end sanctuary policies that compromise law enforcement efforts.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Repeal of state sanctuary rules
  • Mandatory cooperation with federal immigration detainers

Kathy Hochul

Supports

Supports providing state aid and legal assistance to arriving asylum seekers while urging federal authorities to expedite work permits.

In their words

  • “We need federal work authorizations so migrants can work legally and support themselves.”

Policies they want to implement

  • State funding for asylum seeker assistance
  • Advocacy for expedited work authorization

Healthcare

Lee Zeldin

Opposes

Opposes government-run single-payer health insurance and supports market-based reform options.

In their words

  • “Single-payer healthcare would bankrupt New York State.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Opposition to single-payer legislation
  • Expansion of Health Savings Accounts

Kathy Hochul

Supports

Supports expanding state public healthcare coverage, Medicaid eligibility, and comprehensive investments in mental health infrastructure.

In their words

  • “Investing in mental health care is essential to the health and safety of all New Yorkers.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Expansion of state inpatient psychiatric beds
  • Increased Medicaid reimbursement rates

Middle East Conflict

Lee Zeldin

Supports

Supports strong bilateral security relations with Israel and strict enforcement of anti-BDS regulations.

In their words

  • “The United States must stand unconditionally with Israel.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Enforcement of state anti-BDS policy

Kathy Hochul

Supports

Supports Israel's right to self-defense and has authorized state security resources for targeted religious institutions.

In their words

  • “New York stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.”

Policies they want to implement

  • State funding for non-profit security grants

Economy & Jobs

Lee Zeldin

Mixed

Focuses on lowering state taxes, reducing regulations, and expanding energy extraction to lower living costs.

In their words

  • “We need to make New York state affordable again for working families.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Reductions in state personal income tax rates
  • Lifting the state ban on natural gas fracking

Kathy Hochul

Mixed

Focuses on attracting high-tech manufacturing, expanding clean energy initiatives, and raising the minimum wage tied to inflation.

In their words

  • “We are building the economy of the future right here in New York State.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Tax incentives for semiconductor development
  • Index minimum wage to inflation

Housing

Lee Zeldin

Mixed

Focuses on preserving local municipal zoning authority and lowering property tax burdens for homeowners.

In their words

  • “Local communities should maintain control over their zoning laws.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Protection of local control over zoning
  • Property tax relief measures

Kathy Hochul

Mixed

Supports expanding housing supply through state targets, tax incentives for multi-family development, and commercial conversions.

In their words

  • “We must build more housing to solve the affordability crisis.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Tax incentives for affordable housing development
  • Pro-housing community designations

Public Safety

Lee Zeldin

Mixed

Focuses on repealing recent state bail law reforms, expanding law enforcement resources, and increasing criminal penalties.

In their words

  • “We must repeal bail reform completely to make our streets safe.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Repeal of state cash bail limits
  • Increased funding for local law enforcement

Kathy Hochul

Mixed

Supports targeted modifications to state bail laws to expand judicial discretion alongside gun violence prevention programs.

In their words

  • “Public safety is my top priority as Governor.”

Policies they want to implement

  • Revisions to judicial standards for bail
  • Funding for gun violence intervention programs