Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman accepted 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.
“As governor, I will stand with our police, not against them,” Blakeman said.
Blakeman pointed to his tenure as Nassau County executive as evidence of his fiscal and public safety credentials. He said he stopped a proposed $150 million tax hike, has not raised taxes and secured seven bond rating upgrades. He also said the county hired more than 600 police and corrections officers during his administration.
In addition to tax cuts, Blakeman pledged to roll back what he called “hidden taxes and mandates” that increase energy costs, defend Second Amendment rights and restrict transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports.
Blakeman framed his candidacy as rooted in public service, noting that both of his parents were World War II veterans. As county executive, he partnered with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to expand housing for homeless veterans.
He also referenced his service as a Port Authority commissioner during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, when his nephew, court officer Tommy Jergens, was killed.
“I’ve seen what happens when government fails, and I’ve seen what leadership matters,” Blakeman said. “I refuse to accept that New York’s best days are behind us.”
Blakeman introduced his running mates: Joseph Hernandez for state comptroller, Saritha Komatireddy for attorney general and Todd Hood for lieutenant governor.
Former Gov. George Pataki, the last Republican to win the statewide seat, took the podium to offer a historical reality check to doubters. Comparing Blakeman’s run to his own victory in 1994, Pataki dismissed the idea that a Republican can’t win in deep-blue New York.
“Everybody said I had no chance. But the people in Nassau… said, ‘We believe you can win,'” Pataki told the crowd. “Let me tell you this morning: They say Bruce Blakeman can’t win? Yes, it can be done. And with your help, it will be done.”
The general election will take place in November.
