A Democratic governor has occupied New York’s Executive Mansion in Albany for nearly two decades. Republican Bruce Blakeman is looking to change that, but polls suggest he still has an uphill climb in his quest to unseat incumbent Kathy Hochul.
Blakeman has taken the fight to Hochul ever since he emerged as the GOP’s candidate after his primary challenger, upstate Rep. Elise Stefanik, withdrew from the race in December of last year. The Nassau County executive has since hung in against a formidable opponent in a state that has traditionally backed her party at the highest levels of government. Despite that, Blakeman, 71, has seemingly plateaued at the polls, as he has trailed mostly by double digits in the most recent samplings.
The two made a final push to voters Monday, and will be out again Tuesday.
Hochul spent Monday in New York City, shaking hands, taking selfies and even bowling a strike at a campaign rally in Brooklyn. Blakeman was just as busy, campaigning on Long Island and upstate before wrapping up his night at Madison Square Garden.
Nearly two million New Yorkers already cast their ballots, including more than 690,000 in New York City. Both campaigns are watching to see whether the strong early turnout continues through Election Day.
Blakeman focuses on affordability, immigration on campaign trail
Sensing a potential problem at the ballot box on Nov. 3, Blakeman has ratcheted up his attacks on Hochul over New York’s affordability issues, including high taxes and utility rates, immigration, and the governor’s working relationship with democratic socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
When the candidates met on Oct. 13 in their one and only debate, Blakeman pointed to neighboring Pennsylvania, claiming its energy policies have helped keep costs lower for residents.
Kathy Hochul and Bruce Blakeman remain locked in competitive race for New York governor
