Gov. Kathy Hochul, a year from seeking a second elected term as governor of New York, recently met with members of the USA TODAY Network New York Editorial Board, as well as reporters from lohud.com and The Journal News and the Democrat and Chronicle.

In a free-wheeling, hour-long discussion, Hochul answered questions about bruising negotiations for the forthcoming state budget and the Empire State's ongoing legal battles with the Trump administration over congestion pricing, immigration and more.

Hochul talked at length about her resilience in the face of chaos — a theme in contemporary American politics as the administration of President Donald Trump attempts to reshape the federal government.

She was also quite candid — especially when asked about the Empire State's sustained out-migration as tax-weary New Yorkers depart for more affordable states. And, broadly, Hochul presented as practical — particularly in describing her approach to negotiating with the Trump administration as it presses and pulls New York in its various policy initiatives. Hochul told us she would work with the White House when its agenda aligns with "New York's values," but qualified that by saying, too, that she is on guard for sustained legal and policy battles.

"I always keep the stick in my pocket."

As for the chaos enveloping contemporary politics in New York and across the nation — all a year before she prepares to seek a new term next year?

"Personally, it doesn't stress me out," Hochul said.

Among the journalists participating in the May 29 editorial board meeting, held at the USA TODAY offices in midtown Manhattan, were:

Following our meeting with the governor, I gathered that group for a discussion on what we heard and saw. These are some of the questions we pondered and some of the impressions we shared:

Sarah Taddeo: In my view, Gov. Hochul’s first priority is making New York an attractive place to live — whether that’s increasing housing options, making grocery and utility bills more affordable, and decreasing crime in our cities while helping those battling mental illness get the help they need. With people leaving New York for neighboring states like Pennsylvania or New Jersey, or going further to Texas or Florida, the governor is understandably focused on stemming the population outflow.

This spring, she’s faced stiff headwinds from the Trump administration, which is actively fighting against some of the Hochul’s key agenda wins, like congestion pricing in Manhattan (Ironically, the federal administration is using the idea of affordability against her on that front.) Negotiations and spats with the president have likely gotten in the way of the........

© The Leader