Governors of New York

New York, also known as The Empire State, is home to more than 19 million people today. New York governors, like the state they govern, are among some of the most recognizable in the world. The State's 57th governor-- and New York's first female governor-- Kathy Hochul is likely to be no exception. Like most affiliations with one of the most iconic cities and places in the world, New York governors are almost media stars today by default. New York governors are not only people thrust into both the media and political spotlight, but they are also individuals who bear a very heavy responsibility. While it is too early to write the book on New York's newest governor, if history is any indication, those who sit in that seat have historically risen to meet the occasion.

New York's Most Famous Governors

There have been some hallowed names in the arena of politics that have born the mantle of the governor of New York. That includes future presidents like Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, Martin van Buren, and Grover Cleveland. Not to mention arguably one of the most famed governors in history, Nelson Rockefeller, who held the office from Jan 1, 1959, to Dec 18, 1973.

Historical Governors

As one of the earliest-established states, New York has a long history of governors. The first governor of New York was George Clinton who held the position from 1777 to 1795. Although this was quite a long period of service, Clinton once again held the office from 1801 to 1804. Federalist John Jay was the governor during the period between these two terms.