Queens Officials Embrace New York's New Governor Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul is sworn in as the 57th governor of New York (Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

Aug. 24, 2021 By Allie Griffin

Queens elected officials have embraced Governor Kathy Hochul after she was sworn into office at around midnight Tuesday.

Hochul, the former lieutenant governor from Buffalo, took over the top New York seat after Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned amid sexual harassment allegations.

She is the 57th governor of New York and the state’s first woman governor — a historic change many Queens legislators made note of.

“@GovKathyHochul sure has a nice ring to it!” State Sen. Jessica Ramos tweeted. “Congratulations to our first woman governor! Look forward to working alongside you to build back a New York that works for all who call our beautiful state home.”

Ramos’ colleague in the senate Sen. Joseph Addabbo also applauded Hochul.

“Today marks an historic moment in New York as Kathy Hochul becomes our state’s first female Governor,” Addabbo said. “Our state faces many challenges in the months ahead, but I know Governor Hochul has the professional ability to address these challenges and move New York towards a better future.”

Another colleague, Sen. James Sanders Jr. said he believes having a woman as governor will change Albany following a number of tumultuous months.

“I would like to congratulate Kathy Hochul on becoming the new Governor of our great State of New York,” Sanders said in a statement. “She is our 57th Governor and the first female governor to lead the state, which in itself changes the dynamic in Albany.”

Meanwhile, Assembly Member Ron Kim — who was the subject of Cuomo’s attacks after he spoke out on the nursing home scandal last year — congratulated Hochul, but also refused to back down on the nursing home issue.

“Congratulations to Governor @KathyHochul on your historic day,” Kim tweeted. “I look forward to working with you and your team to build a partnership-driven Albany and deliver full accountability and justice for nursing home victims.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers (Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers via Twitter)

On the city level, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers also welcomed Hochul to the top state job.

“Today is a profound milestone for the State of New York, as we welcome our first female governor — Kathy Hochul — and usher in a new era of equality and cooperation in our state’s government,” she said in a statement.

“I look forward to collaborating with Governor Hochul and her team, as we work to address the urgent issues of our time and deliver results on behalf of all New Yorkers.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said he was pleased to see Hochul takeover as governor. He said he has worked with her both as borough president and as a former council member.

“I witnessed firsthand Governor Hochul’s dedication and tenacity to all New Yorkers, and I know she is ready now on day one,” Richards tweeted. “Here in Queens, we look forward to continuing to build our relationship with the Hochul Administration and working together tirelessly.”