Hochul reelected NY governor, expected to keep 'all of above' energy strategy

Incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul defeated Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman in New York's gubernatorial election, where energy affordability and the state's climate targets became issues at the forefront.

Hochul (Democrat) beat Blakeman, who is the executive of Nassau County. The Associated Press called the race when polls closed in the state, as Hochul led with 70% of votes.

Energy policy was a major point of contrast in the race, with Blakeman criticizing Hochul for New York's high power prices.

Hochul, who has served as governor since Andrew Cuomo resigned in 2021, drew criticism from some members of her own party over her push to roll back aspects of the state's landmark Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

In May, the governor announced an agreement with lawmakers on the fiscal 2027 budget, which rolled back several provisions of the CLCPA. The changes included a new carbon emissions reduction target of 60% by 2040 compared to 1990s levels. The previous target was a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2030.

Ken Lovett, a spokesperson for the governor, has described the CLCPA changes as "commonsense," arguing that they were necessary to prioritize energy affordability while retaining New York's status as a climate leader.

Hochul has pushed for an 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy in the state, including by directing the New York Power Authority to build a new nuclear plant in the state.

As governor, Hochul has advocated for offshore wind development and pushed back against the Trump administration's attempts to stymie the industry's build out off the coast of New York.

The governor also signed a first-in-the-nation data center moratorium, arguing that the state needed the pause to study the energy system impacts of data center development.