October 26, 2026
Governor Kathy Hochul released the following statement: “I’m incredibly honored to earn the endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association of New York State, the tireless men and women risking their lives to protect our communities every day. As governor, the safety of our New Yorkers has been my top priority. That’s why, since taking office, my administration has invested $4 billion in public safety and police, gotten 26,000 illegal guns off the streets, and stood by New York’s Finest – strengthening pension benefits, authorizing new police officer academies to address staffing shortages, and tackling pay inequity amongst our officers. Our work is not over until New Yorkers both feel and are safe, but working hand in hand with our law enforcement and partners like the NYSPBA, we’ll continue to build on our progress together in New York State.”
NYS PBA President Chris Rola released the following statement: “The PBA represents the men and women of the New York State University Police, New York State Park Police, New York State Environmental Conservation Police, and the New York State Forest Rangers. In addition to their law enforcement duties, PBA members carry out specialized missions that require advanced training and specialized equipment. University Police Officers protect the students, faculty, and staff at our 29 SUNY campuses. Park Police Officers protect the people who visit our parks and historical sites. In addition to protecting our state forests and other state lands, Forest Rangers suppress wildfires and perform a variety of search and rescue missions. In addition to enforcing New York State’s environmental laws, Environmental Conservation Officers literally ensure the quality of the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Governor Kathy Hochul has repeatedly stated that the safety of New Yorkers is her top priority. Today, the PBA of New York State announces our endorsement of Governor Hochul for reelection because she has demonstrated her commitment to public safety through her actions. Governor Hochul has invested nearly $4 billion on public safety initiatives that have benefited police officers, law enforcement agencies, and communities throughout New York State. Her investments have resulted in a 10% reduction in index crimes, including a 60% decline in shootingrelated deaths. In addition to these investments and initiatives, Governor Hochul has also taken steps to address the pay and pension disparity that has often left PBA members feeling forgotten. Most recently, under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we were finally able to secure a 20-year pension for PBA members in Tier 5 and Tier 6. This legislation was a critical step toward improving New York State’s ability to recruit and retain the police officers we proudly represent. Additionally, Governor Hochul’s administration has consistently authorized academies to ensure adequate staffing for the critical missions that our police officers carry out. Governor Hochul has also authorized the continuous recruitment of Park Police Officers, helping to restore the once decimated ranks of New York State’s oldest law enforcement agency. These actions demonstrate Governor Hochul’s commitment to public safety on our campuses, in our parks, in our forests, on our state lands, and her dedication to protecting New York State’s environment and natural resources. Most importantly, Governor Hochul’s investments in law enforcement demonstrate her staunch opposition to the “Defund the Police” movement, her commitment to public safety, and her ongoing efforts to reduce crime in each of our communities. While we have made great strides under Governor Hochul’s administration, we recognize that there is much work to be done. We look forward to working with Governor Hochul in the future to improve public safety throughout New York State and to ensure that PBA members receive the pay, pension, and benefits they deserve.”
