Meet Kathy

Kathy Hochul is the current representative of New York’s 26th congressional district, where she had earned a reputation for taking on the tough fights for Western New York and working with Democrats and Republicans to strengthen our economy, cut spending, and put our country back on the path to prosperity.

Growing up in a business family, Kathy understands that government doesn’t create jobs—American businesses do. However, she recognizes that government can help to create the conditions for economic growth. In her first term, she has worked to strengthen the economy through targeted investments in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and small businesses, while fighting to eliminate unnecessary government regulations and level the playing field so that American companies can compete in the global marketplace.

Kathy is a tireless advocate for balancing the budget the right way – by protecting Western New York’s middle class families, seniors, and veterans. Working with members of both parties, she has also fought to cutting spending and to require millionaires and corporations to pay their fair share in taxes. She worked to with Republicans to cut $2.4 trillion in deficit spending and was the only Democrat in New York State to vote for a Balanced Budget Amendment.

Kathy has been a loyal public servant to the people of Western New York for the past 12 years. Prior to her time in Congress, she was the highest-ranking female elected official in Erie County, serving as County Clerk from 2007-2011. During her tenure, she successfully fought to eliminate unnecessary requirements for new license plates, improved the customer experience at County’s Department of Motor Vehicles, and streamlined the pistol permitting process for gun owners.

She has always sought ways to cut government waste and save the taxpayers money. And in 1994, after being elected to the Hamburg Town Board, Kathy successfully removed the tolls on the I-190 into Buffalo, saving both taxpayers and everyday commuters from an unnecessary financial burden.

In 2006, Kathy joined her mother and aunt in establishing the Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for victims of domestic violence and served on the Board of Directors. She has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Immaculata Academy and a local library, as well as co-founding the Village Action Coalition to help local businesses from around the area.

Kathy holds a Bachelors degree from Syracuse University and a JD from Catholic University in Washington, DC. She started her professional career working as in-house counsel to a major corporation engaged in homeland security. She has had her own legal practice in Washington DC, and served as a legal counsel and legislative assistant to Congressman John LaFalce and Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

She has been married to her husband, Bill, since 1984, and is the proud mother to two children, Billy and Katie.