Fact Check

Claims about and by Governor Kathy Hochul, rated against documented evidence. Nonpartisan, sourced, no spin — every verdict links to the record behind it.

• False

  Capital Tonight (Spectrum News), Aug 26, 2026 · AUG 27

  “"The Siena poll is funded by New York state." — Bruce Blakeman, Capital Tonight, Aug 26, 2026”

  Blakeman, disputing the Aug 3-6 Siena likely-voter poll showing him down 10, claimed the poll is state-funded. Siena Research Institute spokesman Steve Greenberg said the poll is funded by ReconMR under a licensing agreement between Siena University and ReconMR, and that no state money funds the Siena Research Institute poll. No evidence of state funding has been produced.

• False

  Benny Johnson / social media · JUN 29

  “A viral video shows Hochul being denied entry to an NYPD officer's wake.”

  PolitiFact found Hochul attended the event and found no reports she was denied entry; the video did not show what was claimed.

• False

  Implied by climate-progress messaging · JUN 29

  “New York reduced emissions enough to stay on track for its 2030 climate goals.”

  NY Focus and EDF report NY is roughly three years behind its 70%-renewables-by-2030 target and has cut emissions only ~9% below 1990 levels versus a 40% goal.