At the stroke of midnight Kathy Hochul made history, becoming New York's first female governor. She promised to take a "fresh, collaborative approach" in state government.
Why it matters: The U.S. now has nine serving female state governors — tying a record set in 2004 and matched in 2007 and 2019.
- It's a notable moment, but still well shy of gender proportionality, AP notes.
The big picture: A century after some women gained the right to voice, 19 states — including Florida, Maryland and Virginia — still have never had a woman governor, according to the Center for American Women and Politics.
Just three women of color have ever served as a state governor.
- No Black or Native American women have ever held the position.
Of note: Two women — Sila María Calderón and Wanda Vázquez Garced — have served as governors for Puerto Rico and one — Lou Leon Guerrero — has served as governor in Guam, per the CAWP.