Governor Kathy Hochul Wins New York Democratic Primary

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

Thank you, New York.

I am honored to stand here before you as your Democratic candidate for Governor.

And I know that I am here on this stage…at this moment in time… for many reasons.

I stand here because of the unconditional and ever-supportive love of my family, particularly my parents Jack and Pat Courtney, and the love of my life, my husband Bill, my son Will, daughter Katie and their spouses Christina and Matt — who we have embraced as our own. And our new addition, Baby Sofia!

I also stand here because of hard working New York families and the strong Unions who represent them.

I stand here because of our tireless grassroots organizers and Party leaders who are devoted to the democratic values we share.

I stand here because of our Community and Faith Leaders who are focused on building stronger neighborhoods throughout our state.

I’m here because of the elected leaders who believe in me and supported me.

I want to thank our New York Senators – Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Thank you for fighting for the rights of New Yorkers and all Americans in Washington.

Mayor Adams, thank you for your partnership in building safer communities in New York City and across our state.

Henry Garrido, thank you for your commitment to worker power and union power.

Latrice Walker, thank you for bringing your energy and your fighting spirit to this work.

And Comptroller DiNapoli, Attorney General James and the entire state wide ticket — together we can continue moving our state forward.

Also want to recognize my partners in State Government —Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, Speaker Carl Heastie, and my friend for many decades, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples Stokes.

And I stand  here because of the generations of women before me, who banged up against glass ceilings—- This one’s for you!

I want to thank Public Advocate Jumanne Williams for his passion and dedication to the people of this City.  We will work together to build a more equitable and just New York.

I also want to congratulate my Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado on his success and look forward to many years of working together to serve the people of this state.

And that brings us to tonight.

It has been the highest honor of my life to serve as your Governor for the past 10 months. And what a 10 months it has been….

Back then, our kids were heading back to school and Delta was spiking.

Hurricanes struck, drowning people in their homes and flooding subways.

The cost of living kept rising and rising, as did the stress levels as New Yorkers wondered when it will ever end.

Workers, small businesses and families were, and still are, facing excruciating financial struggles.

And crime and gun violence have destroyed simply too many lives, including the horrific mass shooting in my hometown of Buffalo, but also the daily shootings in cities all across this state.

And in the face of all that — we persevered and prevailed.

Why? Because we’re New Yorkers. And we get things done.

We passed nation-leading laws to improve public safety and took fast action to get guns off our streets and out of dangerous hands.

Two days from now we will respond to the Supreme Court’s assault on our right to protect New Yorkers from concealed weapons.

And, we’ve gone on offense to protect abortion rights —increasing protections for providers, funding to expand access to clinics and expand our capacity to provide care, making clear New York is a safe harbor for any woman seeking care.

We’ve put money back in the pockets of New Yorkers — from rent and utility relief, tax cuts for the middle-class and homeowners, and chipping away at the price of gas.

We’ve made historic investments in public education to get our kids back on track after a long, tough two years, and expanded access to affordable childcare for hundreds of thousands of families.

We’ve delivered the largest ever investments in our state’s infrastructure and clean energy — investing in good-paying jobs and a sustainable future.

And while we have made incredible strides over the last 10 months, I know that there is more work to do.

So as we look ahead, we must answer one question:

Are we going to move New York forward, or are we going to let far-right extremism drag this state backwards?

I know the answer. You know the answer. And there is only one party that can do that.

Only one party will move us forward—Democrats!

We can not and will not allow the extreme right to roll back the progress we’ve made, whether it’s a Trump cheerleader running for Governor of our State, or a right-wing majority sitting on the highest court in the land.

Just in the last week, that Supreme Court has come after our right to be protected from deadly weapons and ripped away a woman’s right to have autonomy over her own body.

And so, our rights and values are once again at stake.

Rights and freedoms that we fought for and secured once before, we have to secure again.

But we are not powerless. We will not cede these rights.

When one side declares war, the other side has a choice — surrender or fight back.

I say we fight back.

And rest assured — we already are.

After all, this is New York — and you never count New York out

No matter what the Supreme Court says  — New Yorkers will be protected.

Protected from concealed weapons on subways, schools, and even rooms like this.

Protected from politicians and judges controlling women’s bodies, resulting in government mandated pregnancies.

Let me say it loud and clear—Abortion rights aren’t going anywhere, not while I’m your governor.

What we demonstrated with this victory tonight is that New York Democrats have confidence in our leadership and in the ability for the first woman to govern a very rough and tumble place like NY.

But I can’t do this alone. I’m relying on you.

Your energy. Your support. Your activism and your vote.

United, there is no stopping us.

Before we continue our celebration tonight, I have a few questions for you—

Are you with me as we show the country what it REALLY means to protect women’s rights?

Are you with me as we protect school children, young people, families and workers from the scourge of gun violence?

Are you with me as we defend the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and marriage equality?

Are you with me as we ensure justice rings true in every community…breaking down systemic barriers that have held too many back?

Are you with me as we continue to create jobs, invest in small businesses, and make housing affordable, and a reality for families?

Are you with me as we stand up for New York values and protect our hard-earned rights that were born in New York from Seneca Falls to Stonewall?

Are you with me?

Because I’m with you.

Thank you all. God Bless the Great state of New York. And God Bless America.

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