With Easter just behind us, New York Governor Kathy Hochul found herself at the center of an unexpected controversy—not over politics or policy, but over… eggs. Yes, eggs.
In what many assumed was a sarcastic remark during an interview, Hochul joked about not being able to afford real eggs for her annual Easter celebration.
But once people got wind of how much she and her husband actually earn, the internet and lawmakers alike weren’t laughing.
“I Can’t Afford Eggs,” Says Governor with $1.5 Million Income
Speaking on Spectrum’s Inside City Hall earlier this week, Hochul shared her Easter plans at the Governor’s Residence.
While discussing rising grocery costs, she took a jab at former President Donald Trump, blaming his economic policies and tariffs for driving up prices.
Then came the comment that lit the fire:
“Heaven help anybody who’s going to use real eggs on Easter.
I have an Easter egg roll at the Governor’s Residence, inviting kids from the neighborhood over. I can’t afford them.”
It was meant to be light-hearted, but many weren’t having it—especially after learning that the Hochuls reported a joint income of nearly $1.5 million last year.
Hochul Household Rakes in Big Bucks
A closer look at their tax returns revealed that Governor Hochul and her husband, attorney William Hochul Jr., reported $1,479,244 in income in 2024—just a dip from the nearly $1.9 million they made the previous year.
William Hochul, who now works at the high-powered law firm Davis Polk, pulled in just under $1 million.
He also pocketed an additional $96,733 from deferred payments from his past job at the hospitality giant Delaware North.
Add in a pension from his previous role as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York—worth about $47,733—and Kathy Hochul’s $250,000 government salary, and it’s clear: this couple is far from strapped for cash.
Critics Across the Political Spectrum Push Back
While Hochul might have been aiming for humor, lawmakers weren’t in the mood for jokes—especially as many New Yorkers are genuinely struggling with skyrocketing costs.
Republican Assemblyman Chris Tague was quick to lash out, telling the New York Post,
“The governor might find it amusing… but for millions of New Yorkers, not being able to afford eggs or even basic necessities is no joke.”
But it wasn’t just Republicans chiming in. Fellow Democrats also voiced their disappointment.
Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes said Hochul should focus less on punchlines and more on solutions:
“She should be more concerned about whether everyday folks can afford eggs—and what she’s going to do about it.”
State Senator Gustavo Rivera, representing the Bronx, went a step further, calling the comments “boneheaded” and holding the governor accountable for the broader economic strain New Yorkers are feeling:
“Every single thing that happens… the governor owns it. Every single goddamn thing.”
The Lifestyle Behind the “Can’t Afford Eggs” Comment
It’s not just their earnings that raised eyebrows—Hochul and her husband also enjoy investment income, totaling over $114,000 last year.
Their tax returns show they donated around $87,883 to charity and paid over half a million dollars in state and federal taxes.
Let’s not forget the perks that come with Hochul’s role—most notably, living in the Governor’s mansion in Albany.
A far cry from the $485,000 Buffalo condo where she used to live before taking office in 2021.
Spokesperson Defends Governor’s Easter Remarks
As the backlash grew, Hochul’s spokesperson Avi Small stepped in to clarify.
According to him, the Governor was simply being honest.
For the first time ever, the Executive Residence’s annual Easter Egg Roll didn’t use real eggs—because of how expensive they’ve gotten.
Small emphasized that Hochul is actively working to address the state’s cost of living.
“She’s proposing middle-class tax cuts, inflation refunds, and a major child tax credit—solutions that are more meaningful than bitter complaints from highly paid legislators.”
A Joke That Missed the Mark?
Whether it was a poor attempt at humor or a tone-deaf remark during tough economic times, Hochul’s Easter egg comment clearly struck a nerve.
With both sides of the aisle criticizing the disconnect between her words and her wealth, the moment served as a reminder: sometimes, even a joke about eggs can crack open a much bigger debate.
