Governor of New York facts for kids

The Governor of New York is like the chief boss of the state of New York. This person leads the state's government and is in charge of New York's military forces. The Governor makes sure state laws are followed. They can also approve or reject new laws passed by the state's lawmakers.

The current Governor is Kathy Hochul. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Governor Hochul started her job on August 24, 2021, and was elected for a full term in 2022. The Governor of New York is actually the highest paid governor in the entire country!

What is the Governor's Job?

The Governor of New York has many important jobs. They must make sure all state laws are put into action. They can also say "yes" or "no" to new laws that the New York State Legislature wants to pass. If the Governor says "no," it's called a veto.

The Governor can also call the lawmakers together for special meetings. They can even forgive people for certain crimes, which is called granting a pardon. However, they cannot pardon someone who has been impeached or accused of treason.

The Governor is also seen as a possible future candidate for President of the United States. Many New York Governors have run for president. Four of them, including Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt, actually became president! Six New York Governors have also become vice president.

How the Governor is Chosen

The Governor is chosen by the people of New York in an election every four years. These elections happen in years when there is no presidential election.

To become Governor, a person must be a United States citizen. They also need to have lived in New York for five years before the election. No one under the age of thirty can be elected as Governor.

A Look at History

The job of Governor in New York has a long history. It started when the British took control of New Amsterdam. Before that, the Dutch had leaders called directors or director-generals. The Governor's role replaced these earlier positions.

The original Certificate of Election of John Jay as Governor of New York (June 6, 1795)

Who Helps the Governor?

The Governor chooses many people to help them run the state. These helpers include advisors and leaders for different state departments. For example, there are leaders for transportation, health, and other important areas. These leaders help the Governor manage all the different parts of the state government.

Who Takes Over if the Governor Can't?

There is a clear plan for who takes over if the Governor cannot do their job. This is called the line of succession.

• The first person in line is the Lieutenant Governor of New York. This person is elected at the same time as the Governor. If the Governor leaves office, the Lieutenant Governor becomes the new Governor.
• If both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor cannot do their jobs, the leader of the State Senate steps in. This person is called the Temporary President of the Senate.
• After that, the Speaker of the Assembly is next in line.
• Then come other important state officials like the Attorney General and the Comptroller.

This plan makes sure that New York always has a leader.

See also

• Politics of New York (state)
• List of governors of New York
• First ladies and gentlemen of New York
• List of colonial governors of New York

Images for kids

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  Seal of the Governor of New York

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  Standard of the Governor of New York

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  Kathy Hochul, the current Governor of New York