Kathy Hochul, New York’s first female governor, defeated Bruce Blakeman, capitalizing on voter frustration with President Trump and other Republicans. Kathy Hochul's reelection over Bruce Blakeman was less about their own platforms and more about their positions on President Donald J. A Democratic Governors Association-backed Super PAC is pouring more than $4 million into boosting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s re-election bid as she desperately tries to fend off Republican challenger.