Governor Hochul Tours Chassidishe Communities
Governor Kathy Hochul visited Kiryas Yoel, Monsey, and New Square to meet with community leaders ahead of the November election.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Judaism
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Incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul visited three chassidishe communities in New York on October 19, 2026, as part of a campaign tour. The events included a mass reception with thousands of students and private meetings with kehilla representatives.
Why it matters
The campaign tour aims to consolidate support among Orthodox voters ahead of the gubernatorial election against opponent Bruce Blakeman. The visits highlight the governor's ongoing support for religious education and federal tax credit initiatives.
Over 6,000 students from Bais Rochel schools attended a reception for the governor in Kiryas Yoel. The visit precedes the November 3, 2026, gubernatorial election.
The players
Kathy Hochul
Kathy Hochul is the incumbent Governor of New York who is seeking reelection in the upcoming state election.
Bruce Blakeman
Bruce Blakeman is the political opponent challenging Kathy Hochul for the governorship of New York.
Elya Pinkasowitz
Elya Pinkasowitz is the Mayor of Kaser who recently received a shivah visit from the governor.
The details
Governor Hochul met with community figures in Kiryas Yoel, Monsey, and New Square, including a visit with the Skverer Rebbe and a shivah call for Kaser Mayor Elya Pinkasowitz. The tour also featured a stop at a Vizhnitzer girls' school to emphasize the governor's focus on religious education.
Timeline
October 10, 2026: The Skverer kehilla announced an endorsement of Governor Kathy Hochul.
October 19, 2026: Governor Hochul toured three chassidishe communities.
November 3, 2026: The New York gubernatorial election takes place.
Culture Shift
The governor’s tour aligns with the federal education tax credit policy, which remains a focal point for state-level engagement with religious educational institutions. This outreach reflects a strategic move to capitalize on shared policy goals within the Orthodox community.
Residents in Kiryas Yoel, Monsey, and New Square should expect continued political outreach as the gubernatorial election date nears. The governor's platform regarding religious education tax credits directly influences the financial landscape for local private schools.
The takeaway
The recent visits underscore the influence of kehilla endorsements in the upcoming New York gubernatorial race. Voters should continue to monitor campaign platforms for details regarding educational funding and religious policy commitments.
Further reading
Learn more about local religious affairs in the Judaism section.
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