New York delegates at a general session
New York Executive Branch

Lead the state.

The Youth Governor, Lt. Governor, Comptroller and a 15-member Cabinet review every bill that passes and decide what becomes youth law.

Cabinet ApplicationHow it works

Led by students

2026-27 Executive officers

Comptroller Lily Quinn

Comptroller

Lily Quinn

Reviews bills for their fiscal impact.

How it works

From bill to youth law

  1. Bills pass the legislature. Every bill that passes a chamber goes to the Youth Governor.
  2. The Cabinet reviews it. Each Cabinet member covers bills in their area and advises the Governor.
  3. The Comptroller checks the cost. Bills are reviewed for fiscal impact, and strong bills earn the Seal of State Approval.
  4. The Governor decides. Bills are signed or vetoed in Governor's Office meetings during the conference.
  5. Chambers can override. A vetoed bill can be overridden with a two-thirds vote.

The Cabinet

15 positions

Appointed by application. Cabinet members are experienced delegates who have been to at least one state conference and understand the legislative process.

  • Secretary to the Governor
  • Secretary of State
  • Commissioner of Labor
  • Superintendent of Financial Services
  • Commissioner of Family Assistance
  • Commissioner of Environmental Conservation
  • Commissioner of Education
  • Chairperson of Empire State Development
  • Commissioner of Transportation
  • Commissioner of Taxation and Finance
  • Commissioner of Correctional and Community Supervision
  • Commissioner of Health
  • Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets
  • Commissioner of Mental Hygiene
  • Chairperson of NYS Public Service
Cabinet Application, due Oct 5, 2026

Running for office

Candidate rules

  • Only returning delegates can run, with advisor approval.
  • Governor and Lt. Governor candidates are in 11th grade.
  • One candidate per delegation for each office.
  • Speeches are 3 minutes, 4 for Governor, and stay positive.
  • Governor, Lt. Governor, Comptroller and Attorney General run in General Elections at the conference.
  • No online campaigning.

All candidate rules

Lt. Governor's Service Focus

Social responsibility

This year's service-learning work helps families afford necessities like food, toiletries and coats, especially in winter and the holidays. Each school has a Service-Learning Liaison, and delegates log service and learning hours.

Apply to be a LiaisonLog service hoursLog learning hours

Examples

See past work

Real work from recent years. Use it as a model.

PDFSeptember 2026 NewsletterWelcome letters from the Governor, Lt. Governor and Chief Justice, plus the Cabinet list. (opens in a new tab)PDFGovernor Joyce Chen's letterThe 2026-27 theme, Authenticity. (opens in a new tab)PDF2026 High School Bill BookIncludes the Governor's letter, the Comptroller's Seal of State Approval and candidate profiles. (opens in a new tab)PDFBy Each GenerationThe history of Youth and Government, which began in Albany in 1936. (opens in a new tab)