Kathy Hochul Sworn In As NY's 1st Female Governor, Seeks Change

LONG ISLAND, NY — History was made Tuesday as Kathy Hochul was sworn in as the 57th governor of New York — and the first woman to serve in the position.

Hochul was sworn in at the stroke of midnight — hours after disgraced Gov. Andrew Cuomo made an unapologetic farewell speech before his resignation took place at the end of the day. Hochul participated in another ceremonial swearing-in Tuesday morning.

During the midnight ceremony, Hochul, a Democrat, was sworn in at the Capitol by the state's chief judge, Janet DiFiore. DiFiore wore the same robe worn by the first female Court of Appeals Judge Judith Kaye, Hochul said.

"You will soon find that brevity is the hallmark of my administration," Hochul said.

Hochul said she will hold another news briefing at 3 p.m. to more fully outline her priorities moving forward, including how the state will combat COVID-19, get direct aid to New Yorkers more expeditiously, and foster a "change in the culture of Albany. I'm looking forward to a fresh, collaborative approach. That's how I've always conducted myself, so it's nothing new to me, but it's something I'm planning on introducing to the state capitol," she said.

The event opened with prayer; Hochul then thanked key government leadership officials, as well as her family, including her "beloved husband Bill, who has been at my side for 37 years." She also thanked her children Will and Katie and their spouses, as well as her father and "big Irish Catholic family" in attendance.

"This is an emotional moment for me," she said.

Hochul said she spoke with President Joe Biden, who pledged his full support. She thanked him for his help with Henri cleanup.

One top priority is providing a multi-faceted approach and sending rental relief and resources to many who are struggling, Hochul aid. The stress so many are under is "absolutely unnecessary," she said.

Hochul will have a 45-day transition period to identify members of her administration, with two key officers, secretary Karen Keogh and counsel Elizabeth Fine, already announced. "I want people who know what they are doing surrounding me. . . I believe in a fully diverse cabinet and that is going to be a full priority," she said.

Asked about her chief goal, Hochul said: "I want people to believe in their government again. It's important to me that people have faith. Our strength comes from the faith and confidence of the people who put us in this office and I take that very seriously."

Hochul said she has sat down unofficially with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and said their focus was on "no blind-siding, just full cooperation."

When asked about her feelings about de Blasio mandating school vaccinations, Hochul said she will discuss the issue at the 3 p.m. briefing.