Hochul and Blakeman debate

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman traded attacks over taxes, utility rates, crime, immigration and Trump during a debate.

Hochul ties Blakeman to Trump

Hochul repeatedly tied Blakeman to Trump during the debate, saying he would bring Trump-style leadership to Albany.

“He says that he's going to bring Trump-style leadership to Albany. You support every single thing that Donald Trump does.”

Hochul criticizes economic conditions

Hochul criticized economic conditions and U.S. foreign policy, saying people are suffering from high costs and global conflicts.

“If you bought groceries lately, my God, the people are suffering. And that didn't have to be the case. Why are we at war with the rest of the world?”

Blakeman blames Hochul for taxes

Blakeman blamed Hochul for higher taxes and utility rates, claiming the governor's policies caused economic hardship.

“You like to talk about Donald Trump all the time because you don't want to talk about your record.”

Blakeman calls Mamdani antisemite

Blakeman called Zohran Mamdani an antisemite, anti-Christian, and lacking American values during the debate.

“Zohran Mamdani is an antisemite. I believe he's anti-Christian, and I don't think he has American values.”

Hochul dismisses Blakeman's remarks

Hochul dismissed Blakeman's comments about Mamdani, saying they are a great partner and she won't respond to the criticism.

“The mayor and I are great partners, are working hard together. And I'm not going to give him the dignity of responding to those kind of crazy comments.”

Mamdani calls himself asset

Mamdani said his administration's work makes the city more affordable for working families, calling him an asset to Hochul's campaign.

“I think the work that we're doing is an asset, because the work that we're doing over 10 months has been to make the city more affordable for working families.”