Long Island Democratic state lawmakers endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s bid for re-election, on Thursday, Feb. 11, as she prepares for a potential general election matchup with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
In a broad show of support, two state senators and nine Assembly members representing districts across Nassau and Suffolk counties announced their backing of Hochul’s 2026 campaign.
“From Glen Cove to Greenport, I am proud to have earned the endorsement of Long Island’s strongest voices in the State Legislature — partners who are helping us deliver real relief for New Yorkers,” Hochul said in a statement.
She cited her record expanding the child tax credit, sending inflation refund checks and her investments in public safety and the Long Island Rail Road.
State Sen. Monica Martinez, said she and the governor “understand what it means to stay close to the people we represent and deliver on what our communities need most.”
“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the governor, and together we’ve produced real results for Long Island — from critical infrastructure investments that strengthen our roads, transit, and local economy, to historic commitments to public safety that have helped drive crime down to its lowest levels in years,” Martinez said.
State Sen. Siela A. Bynoe, pointed to funding for schools and water infrastructure as well as support for Nassau University Medical Center as reasons for her endorsement.
“Gov. Hochul and I have enjoyed a productive relationship over the years, and her leadership has produced results for the communities of District 6,” Bynoe said, encouraging voters to “give her the opportunity to continue building on this progress by re-electing her this November.”
Deputy Assembly Speaker Phil Ramos called Hochul a leader with “courage, experience, and an unwavering commitment to all the people of New York.”
“I am proud to endorse her re-election and to continue standing shoulder to shoulder with our governor to fight for Long Island and all New Yorkers, so no one is left behind,” Ramos said.
Assembly Member Steve Stern, said Hochul “shares our priorities” of safety, affordability and opportunity and pledged to continue working with her “to protect our suburban quality of life.”
Assembly Member Rebecca Kassay credited the governor with allocating $5 million for a Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Hospital and investing $300 million in SUNY Stony Brook’s Quantum Research and Innovation Hub.
“Gov. Hochul has demonstrated a clear commitment to healthcare, education, and economic growth on Long Island,” Kassay said.
Assembly Member Charles Lavine said that as chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, he has seen “firsthand Gov. Hochul’s commitment to strengthening public safety — from banning ghost guns to cracking down on the trafficking of illegal weapons.”
“As ICE terrorizes Long Island communities and Trump’s tariffs push costs higher for working families, we need a proven fighter,” Lavine said. “I’m proud to endorse Gov. Hochul.”
According to the New York State Board of Elections’ public campaign finance database, Hochul reported more than $20 million in cash on hand in her campaign account in the latest filing period.
Republicans have coalesced around Blakeman after their convention last week.
Blakeman has criticized Hochul on bail reform, immigration and taxes and has aligned himself closely with President Donald Trump.
Hochul’s touting of her Long Island endorsements highlight her effort to solidify support on Long Island before the election in November, a region which is still pivotal in statewide elections even as it has leaned Republican in recent years.
