Federal Judge Declares Mistrial: Jurors deadlocked in the case against former New York gubernatorial aide Linda Sun and her husband, Christopher Hu, on a 19‑count indictment alleging Sun acted as an undeclared agent of China and steered state decisions to benefit private and foreign interests. Jurors reportedly split 10‑2 on most counts and 10‑1 on one. The government intends to retry the case; a status conference is set for January 26, 2026. Sun’s defense maintains her innocence and has urged prosecutors not to pursue a retrial.
Mistrial Declared in Case Against Ex‑Gubernatorial Aide Linda Sun; Retrial Possible
Mistrial declared in case of ex-gubernatorial aide Linda Sun
A federal judge has declared a mistrial in the high‑profile case against former gubernatorial aide Linda Sun and her husband, Christopher Hu, after jurors were unable to reach unanimous verdicts on a 19‑count indictment.
Prosecutors accused Sun, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, of acting as an undeclared agent of the Chinese government and using her influence while working for New York governors Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul to steer state decisions that benefited her husband’s businesses, her associates and the Chinese government. Authorities allege the couple profited by millions through those connections.
Former New York Gov. Kathy Hochul aide Linda Sun leaves Brooklyn Federal Court after her arraignment, Sept. 3, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
The indictment also alleges the pair received lavish gifts through business and personal relationships, including event tickets, a condominium in Hawaii, luxury vehicles and jobs for relatives.
Jury Deadlocked
After deliberating, jurors reported they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict on any count and the judge declared a mistrial. One juror told NewsNation that most charges were split 10‑2, and one charge was reported as 10‑1, though the juror did not identify which counts corresponded to those tallies.
Former New York Gov. Kathy Hochul aide Linda Sun, center, and her husband, Christopher Hu, second from left, leave Brooklyn Federal Court after their arraignment Sept. 3, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
Next Steps
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Solomon told the court the government intends to retry the case "as soon as possible." A status conference to set the schedule for next steps is set for January 26, 2026, according to John Marzulli, Public Information Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
"Throughout this trial, Linda Sun has steadfastly maintained her innocence — and that does not change now," Sun’s attorney said in a statement to NewsNation. The defense argued the jury’s inability to reach unanimous verdicts after careful deliberation highlights how "questionable and flawed" the charges are and urged prosecutors to decline a retrial.
Charges and Allegations
Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty to multiple counts, and were arrested in 2024. The allegations against Sun include acting as an unregistered foreign agent, visa fraud and alien smuggling. Hu faces charges including tax evasion, money laundering, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and misuse of means of identification.
Former New York Governor Kathy Hochul aide Linda Sun leaves Brooklyn Federal Court after their arraignment, Sept. 3, 2024, in New York. Sun was charged with acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
The judge’s declaration of a mistrial means the government may pursue a retrial; both sides will now prepare for the status conference and further proceedings.
Reporting contributed by Jessica Kartalija and NewsNation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Solomon and U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer John Marzulli were cited in court updates.
