With Donald Trump heading back to the White House, many eyes are turning to Gov. Kathy Hochul on a potential pardon.

Trump was convicted in May of 34 felony charges for falsifying business documents to cover up hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.

Since his conviction was under state law, not federal law, he cannot pardon himself as president.

"Having a sitting president facing these charges could have unforeseen consequences. Even if there's a parole process or something like that. So, I think this issue needs to be debated vigorously. We need to look at it from all sides and figure out what's not best politically, but what's best for this country," says former State Sen. David Carlucci.

Gov. Hochul initially implied she wouldn't consider a pardon but may reassess given Trump's win and her 2026 reelection bid.

In response to the election, Gov. Hochul stated, "New York has always been and will always be a beacon of hope and progress."