Albany/NYS

July 2026

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Democrats, with super-majorities in both chambers of the Legislature,  are chugging ahead with their visions for New York. That doesn't mean the Gov's got it easy - she's been at odds with her party in the past, especially when she's seen as less progressive than they are, and that's apt to continue this year. 

At the same time, she's equally angered the GOP opposition, particularly on crime, taxes, and spending, the standard complaints. And, of course, we still have the upstate-downstate divide, which makes things fun.

• Upstaters, more red than blue outside the cities, increasingly feel alienated from what's happening in Albany, and by a strong sense that New York City is calling all the shots. 

• Moderates, too - like me - are also frustrated by the surge of "progress" and what that's doing for the rest of us, and the state's bottom line. We're also frustrated with the apparent lack of attention - or lack of interest - on the part of Republicans to fight back.

Hochul is up for re-election and has a MAGA challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. He hosted a fundraiser for the guy who became the FOTUS, has been endorsed by him, and tends to spout bumper-sticker campaign promises without any details on how he'd do the things he said he'd do. 

And, NYC has elected Zohran Mamdani as their mayor. Mamdani is a Ugandan-born, former rapper, Democratic Socialist who previously served in the State Assembly after defeating a five-term incumbent in his first primary; he defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral primary.  His election has increased the angst up here in my neck of the woods, as it's expected he'll wield significant influence with the Dems in Albany - and it won't be 'conservative' influence either.

I'm hoping to get back into state issues and challenges through the Meanwhile Back in Albany (MBIA) theme, and through Quick Takes - shorter, focused posts on single issues or ideas.  It's time to focus on what matters here, in the Empire State. 

Posts from previous years can be found using keywords Albany and Ethics, among others.