Introduction
Kathy Hochul is an American lawyer and politician who currently serves as the 57th Governor of New York since August 24, 2021. She is a member of the Democratic Party and the first female governor of New York. Hochul began her political career as the Erie County Clerk in 2007 and served as a U.S. Representative from 2011 to 2013. She also served as lieutenant governor under Andrew Cuomo from 2015 to 2021 before becoming the governor. In this article, we will discuss Kathy Hochul’s net worth, age, husband, children, family, politics, and more.
Early Life and Education
Kathleen Courtney Hochul was born on August 27, 1958, in Buffalo, New York, United States. She is the second of six children of John P. “Jack” Courtney and Patricia Ann “Pat” (Rochford) Courtney. Her family struggled financially during her early years, and for a time, they lived in a trailer near a steel plant. However, her father’s later work in the information technology company brought stability. Hochul’s family has Irish Catholic descent.
Hochul became politically active during her college years at Syracuse University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University in 1980. She later received her Juris Doctor from the Catholic University Columbus School of Law in 1984.
Political Career
Hochul began her political career as a supporter of small businesses facing competition from Walmart stores, where she caught the attention of local Democratic leaders. On January 3, 1994, the Hamburg Town Board voted to appoint her to the vacant seat on the board caused by Patrick H. Hoak’s resignation to become town supervisor. Hochul was then elected to a full term in November 1994 and was reelected in 1998, 2002, and 2006.
In May 2003, Erie County Clerk David Swarts appointed Hochul as his deputy. In 2007, Hochul succeeded Swarts as county clerk and later ran for reelection on four ballot lines, winning with 80 percent of the vote. After serving as county clerk, Hochul was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2011 and served in the position until 2013.
In 2014, Hochul became the lieutenant governor of New York under Andrew Cuomo, and they were reelected in 2018. She took over as governor of New York on August 24, 2021, after Cuomo’s resignation amid allegations of sexual harassment.
Husband and Family
Kathy Hochul is married to William J. Hochul Jr., a former United States attorney for the Western District of New York and the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary to Delaware North, a hospitality and gambling company. They have two children, Caitlin Hochul and William Hochul, and Hochul identifies as Catholic. Hochul is also the founder of Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. As of mid-2022, Kathy Hochul and her husband William J. Hochul Jr. are still married and living a happy life with their children.
Net Worth and Salary
Kathy Hochul’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. She has accumulated her wealth through her successful career as a lawyer and politician. Hochul’s salary per month, along with other career earnings, is over $1.5 million annually. She is one of the richest and most influential politicians in the United States.