With the final day of early voting underway, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman are making a last-minute push to win over voters before Election Day.
Both candidates spent Halloween campaigning in Queens as they sought to build momentum in the closing days of New York’s gubernatorial race. Hochul, the Democratic incumbent, campaigned in Jamaica, while Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, held a rally in Middle Village.
Blakeman used the appearance to promote his proposal to eliminate state income taxes on the first $100,000 of income for joint filers and pledged to cut utility costs by 50%. He also accused Hochul of raising taxes.
Hochul, meanwhile, compared Blakeman to President Donald Trump and highlighted Albany’s efforts to offset funding cuts from Washington.
Recent polls have shown Hochul holding a double-digit lead in the race, though Blakeman has dismissed those numbers and argued the contest is closer than surveys indicate.
Both candidates continued trading criticism as voters cast ballots on the final day of early voting.
Hochul pointed to voter enthusiasm as a positive sign for Democrats.
“People are so energized to get out and vote. And what I need is — this is all about not just the top of the ticket, but everybody down ballot. And we have such important races on the line right now,” Hochul said.
Blakeman urged supporters not to be discouraged by polling.
“We’re right there, we are neck and neck, we can win this thing if people get out to vote. Remember, if good people don’t vote, you get bad laws, and that’s what we’ve got in this state,” Blakeman said.
Blakeman was scheduled to attend a rally at a golf club in Northport in Suffolk County later in the day. Hochul was expected to campaign at a diner on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Election Day is Nov. 3.
