New York Governor Kathy Hochul has made headlines recently for her pledge to work with former Governor Andrew Cuomo if he decides to run for mayor. Hochul, who has been known for her collaborative nature, stated that she will continue to work with whoever is in office, whether it be the president, governors, or mayors.
The speculation around Cuomo’s potential run for mayor has been fueled by reports that he is lining up the pieces for his campaign, including hiring Charlie King, a partner at Mercury Public Affairs. Despite Cuomo’s past feuds with former Mayor Bill DeBlasio, he has remained tight-lipped about his potential candidacy.
Hochul’s positive relationship with current Mayor Eric Adams, even amid his federal corruption charges, has led her to express her willingness to work with any mayor chosen by the voters. She emphasized the importance of collaboration, as both the governor and the mayor represent the same people.
While Hochul navigates the political landscape, she recently announced a new initiative to provide free lunches for all K-12 students in the state. The Universal Free School Meals program will eliminate income requirements and expand eligibility to nearly 300,000 additional students, benefiting around 2.7 million students in total.
In addition to her focus on affordability and education, Hochul is also facing challenges from potential gubernatorial candidates like Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres and Republican Rep. Mike Lawler. Despite criticism from her opponents, Hochul remains committed to her values and initiatives to support families and children in the state.
As the political landscape evolves, with discussions around issues like the state and local tax deduction (SALT) cap, Hochul continues to navigate alliances and priorities. With her non-aggression pact with various political figures, Hochul remains focused on serving the people of New York and promoting initiatives that benefit the community.