Governor George E. Pataki served three terms as the 53rd Governor of New York, leading the state from 1995 to 2006 and guiding it through one of the most consequential eras in modern American history. Born and raised in Peekskill, Pataki rose from Mayor to the State Assembly, State Senate, and ultimately the governorship through dedication to service, reform, and principled leadership.
As governor, Pataki enacted sweeping tax cuts, created the landmark STAR property-tax relief program, and implemented some of the strongest and most effective anti-crime laws ever adopted by any state. Under his leadership, New York went from one of the most dangerous states in America to one of the safest in history—a transformation unmatched by any governor, past or present.
He was also one of the most significant conservation governors in American history. George Pataki preserved more land in New York State than even Theodore Roosevelt, protecting more than one million acres for future generations—more than any governor in New York history.
Pataki’s defining test came on September 11, 2001. In the chaotic hours after the attacks, he coordinated emergency powers, mobilized federal and state agencies, and provided calm, decisive leadership when the nation needed it most. No other governor in American history did more to guide his state through crisis, inspire resilience, and rebuild than George Pataki.
Under his leadership, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation was created, nearly $10 billion in federal recovery funds were secured, and the full rebuilding of Lower Manhattan was set into motion—including the Freedom Tower, the 9/11 Memorial, the transit hub, and the rebirth of downtown Manhattan. He rebuilt Lower Manhattan.
As the 25th anniversary of September 11th approaches, Governor Pataki remains a central figure in America’s story of unity, courage, and recovery.
In recent years, Pataki has emerged as a global leader in humanitarian support for Ukraine. Through the Governor George Pataki Center, he has led repeated missions into the war zone, delivering food, housing, medical supplies, generators, and critical aid directly to displaced families and frontline communities. His efforts have delivered over one million pounds of relief since the war began in 2022.
For this work, Governor Pataki was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his extraordinary humanitarian leadership and unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.
Today, Governor Pataki continues to be a respected voice on global security, democracy, public safety, and the sacred responsibility to honor the memory and lessons of September 11th. His leadership—defined by strength, compassion, and service—continues to inspire New Yorkers, Americans, and people around the world.