Governor Cathy Hochul didn’t rest on election day; The head of state brightened and woke up early Tuesday as he greeted voters on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
The governor began his morning at 86th Street and Second Avenue with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, incumbent Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Member of the Assembly Rebecca Seward and other local Democrats.
Hochul, who voted early, took selfies, shook hands and even hugged with a bunch of New Yorkers.
Hochul then made several pitstops at local businesses such as Gracie’s Diner at 300 East 86 St., where she met both patrons and business owners. During his attempt to impress last-minute voters, the governor also shared his perspective on race.
“I’ve covered every corner,” explained Hochul as passengers dashed in and out of the subway. “People are walking the streets, going to late night meals and restaurants, going to plays, going out for fun – this city is back! And I want to lead this state for the next four years.” And probably beyond that sense of optimism that we haven’t had here in a long time. I want to bring that to New Yorkers.”
Hochul was also questioned about his relationship with Mayor Eric Adams. Some are concerned that the politicians’ ties may thin due to perceived differences on crime and bail reform. But Hochul rejected such a notion.
“I think you can see where the mayor was when he introduced me at a rally with hundreds and hundreds of people,” the governor retorted. “On January 6th, not January 6th, which Lee Zeldin doesn’t want to talk about. January 6th This year, literally the mayor went to work for a week. He said we’re going to partner together for the first time, The governor of New York will be really engaged in helping the city’s mayor. That relationship has only grown stronger.”
Referring to her rival, Hochul was referring to the January 6, 2021 uprising on the US Capitol. Hours after the Capitol was raided by a Trump crowd, Zeldin was one of 147 Republicans who voted to oppose certification of the 2020 presidential election results for some states who voted Joe Biden’s way.
When asked what voters are unaware of at the moment when it comes to his campaign, Hochul simply replied, “I call myself a Street Fighter.” He described the barriers that many women continue to break, but Hochul insists that it has made them “stronger and harder to deal with and handle challenges. I love what I do. My mind.” I have a lot of heart and compassion for the people of this state.
“There is nothing that I could not handle, and this election has increased my strength and also my desire to serve this state,” Hochul said.
The governor took a brief break for morning coffee and French toast at the Mansion Diner on 1634 York Avenue before returning to preaching.
