New York Governor Kathy Hochul appeared on NY1’s “Inside City Hall” with Errol Louis to discuss several current issues facing the state and New York City, including the recent mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan, gun safety laws, Medicaid funding cuts, redistricting, municipal election timing, cannabis dispensary regulations, and political relationships.
Hochul addressed the response to Monday night’s shooting in Midtown Manhattan. She said that while state police always offer assistance during such incidents, the New York Police Department (NYPD) managed the situation directly. Hochul acknowledged heightened concerns about public safety following what she described as a rare and tragic event. “Yes, but it’s very much on everyone’s minds since this horrific massacre of four innocent people in New York. Even I walked into my office the day after, and I look at the security guards and I think about what must be going through their minds right now to know that this happened so incredibly, brazenly beyond anything anyone could have ever imagined,” Hochul said.
She emphasized that mass shootings are not common occurrences in New York City and referenced past legislative efforts to strengthen gun laws statewide. Hochul advocated for a national assault weapons ban similar to one previously enacted from 1994 to 2004. “We have the toughest gun laws in the nation. I have added to them… We now have 4,300 guns that have been taken out of the hands of people who could have used them to harm themselves or others — that’s how you prevent these tragedies,” she stated.
The governor also commented on proposed mid-decade redistricting by Texas lawmakers that could shift Democratic seats toward Republican control. She criticized these actions as unfair and indicated New York may consider its own options in response: “What they’re doing is outlandish… So New York, I’m looking at all of our options — we do have options. I’ve had many conversations at high levels and I’ll be announcing what our plans are going forward.”
On local elections, Hochul supported synchronizing municipal elections with presidential cycles to boost voter turnout. She argued that holding all elections together would encourage more participation: “It is so important to me that we get more people participating in this process… People can process multiple elections at the same time… it gives an opportunity for a party like the Democrats to have one coherent, strong message.”
Addressing federal Medicaid cuts affecting New Yorkers under President Trump’s recently signed bill—where up to 700,000 individuals may need to transition from federally supported plans—the governor noted there is time before changes take effect and assured residents priorities such as health care will remain protected: “No urgency right now… because these cuts are not going to take place until later.”
The interview also covered compliance issues among cannabis dispensaries related to distance requirements from schools and churches. An audit revealed previous miscalculations regarding measurement methods for dispensary locations; Hochul expressed support for protecting business owners affected by these errors: “But I don’t think it should be born on the backs of these people — so many of them, their life savings… So I have said we are going to stand up for them.” She indicated intent to seek legislative changes aligning cannabis rules with those governing liquor stores.
Regarding her relationship with city leadership ahead of upcoming elections, Hochul highlighted her ongoing engagement with city officials and focus on maintaining partnerships beneficial for residents: “I can be your best friend or your worst enemy, you pick… I also represent the 8.3 million people who call New York home.”
The full audio of Governor Hochul’s interview is available online.
