Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakemanaccepted the Republican nomination for governor on Wednesday, Feb. 11, launching a bid to unseat Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul with a campaign centered on cutting taxes, rolling back congestion pricing and strengthening public safety laws.
Standing before supporters at the Garden City Hotel, Blakeman delivered a sharp critique of Hochul’s record, accusing her administration of driving up taxes and energy costs while failing to curb crime.
“I am honored to receive this nomination to be your next governor of the great State of New York,” Blakeman said. “After four more years of soaring taxes, rising crime, and reckless spending, families simply cannot afford her failed leadership any longer.”
Blakeman said Hochul has approved more than $8 billion in tax hikes, contributing to what he described as the highest tax burden in the nation. He also criticized rising utility costs, saying electric bills are roughly 50% higher than the national average and attributing the increases to 36 utility rate hikes, blocked energy infrastructure projects and state green energy mandates.
Hochul campaign spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki released the following statement following Blakeman’s nomination:
“Donald Trump said the quiet part out loud: If Blakeman wins in November, Trump will be running the State of New York right alongside him. That means raising costs on families, letting ICE trample on New Yorkers’ rights, and waging war on New York kids. New Yorkers see what’s happening here, and they’re ready to hand Blakeman yet another loss for putting Trump, not them, first at every opportunity.”
Blakeman also took aim at the MTA’s congestion pricing program, which charges drivers up to $27 to enter parts of Manhattan, during his acceptance speech.
“In Hochul’s New York, you now pay a tax just to drive on a public road you already paid for,” Blakeman said, warning that the program could expand beyond Manhattan if she wins reelection.
Blakeman also faulted Hochul for spending billions on housing and services for migrants, arguing the money should instead be directed toward schools, infrastructure and tax relief for residents.
On public safety, Blakeman criticized criminal justice reforms enacted in recent years, including changes to bail laws and the “Raise the Age” law, which increased the age of criminal responsibility. He accused Hochul of siding with criminals and pledged to support law enforcement and keep violent offenders behind bars.
Source: LI Press
