The «corrupt» Irish-American who will be the first woman governor of New York

Kathy Hoshol, a New York Democrat unfamiliar to many people in the state even after six years as Lieutenant Governor, will begin to re-introduce herself to the public as she prepares to take over the reins of power after Governor Andrew Cuomo resigns.

Hochhol, 62, will within two weeks become the state’s first female governor, after a remarkable transition period during which Cuomo has said he will stay in office and work to facilitate her access to a job he has dominated during his three terms.

Her paternal grandparents immigrated from kerry companyWith her website Mentionsed They «escaped poverty in Ireland» more than 100 years ago. Her grandfather worked as a migrant laborer in the wheat fields in South Dakota, then went on to domestic service in Chicago, before moving to work at the Lackawanna Steel Plant in Buffalo, New York.

Hochhol says that her upbringing with «progressive» parents is part of the reason she sticks to the values ​​she espouses.

She remained out of sight yesterday but said in a statement that she was «ready to drive.» Hochul plans to hold her first press conference this afternoon at the Capitol.

Cuomo, 63, made a shocking announcement yesterday that he is stepping down rather than face a possible trial over allegations that he sexually harassed at least 11 women, including one who accused him of molesting them.

Cuomo continued to deny that he had touched anyone inappropriately, and said his instinct was to respond to allegations he felt were unfair or fabricated. But he said that as the pandemic crisis dragged on in the state, it would have been better for him to step aside so state leaders could «return to governance».

About Hochul

My grandparents immigrated from Ireland – the lessons they passed on to me in public service inspired me. I have always been proud of my Irish heritage and history.

Join Consul General Madden for the celebration #Saint Patrick’s Day And 90 birthdays Tweet embed! pic.twitter.com/dZJbsUstqa

– Cathy HochulNY (@LtGovHochulNY) March 8, 2019

That job would fall to Hochul, who served briefly in Congress as the Buffalo District representative but purposefully kept a modest profile as a state deputy governor that Cuomo was highlighting.

Her website states that Hochul was born and raised in a blue-collar Irish Catholic family in Buffalo «instilling a deep passion for public service and activism.»

«I will say like all good Irishmen and Irish women, I love a good fight,» She said in a Saint Patrick’s Day message in Facebook. “Especially if it is for the people of my beloved country.

We may have poetry in our hearts, but we are pessimists. We know how to overcome adversity, and never back down from a battle for what is right, even against all odds. And we love the underdog, because the Irish have been underestimated throughout our history.

A veteran of retail politics, Hochul shares some of Cuomo’s centrist politics, but contrasts in style with a ruler famous for his love of controlling opponents and holding grudges. She is beloved by her colleagues, who say voters should not confuse her quiet approach under Cuomo with a lack of confidence or competence.

«Kathy Hochhol will be an extraordinary governor,» Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, another veteran political warrior, told reporters at the US Capitol. «She understands the complexities and needs of our state, as she has been a congresswoman and has served as deputy governor for the past several years.»

What after Como?

It remains to be seen how involved Cuomo will be in state government over the next two weeks, or how he will manage the handover – something he has rarely conceded during his time in office.

His circle of advisers has shrunk, but his closest aide and policy-making partner, Melissa DeRosa, who was a familiar face to Cuomo’s side during his televised briefings on New York’s battle against the coronavirus pandemic, made a surprising comeback after announcing her resignation on Sunday. The governor’s office said she would remain in her job as the governor’s secretary until Cuomo left.

Leaders in the state legislature have yet to say whether they plan to drop the impeachment inquiry that has been in progress since March, and which was expected to conclude in the coming weeks.

In addition to examining his behavior with women, attorneys appointed by the state assembly were investigating whether the administration had manipulated data on Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes and whether Cuomo improperly obtained help from his employees writing a book on the pandemic.

Republicans urged the Democratic-controlled legislature to go ahead with impeachment proceedings, possibly to prevent Cuomo from running for office again.