Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman took his affordability message to three New York City boroughs Saturday as his campaign entered its final stretch, while also criticizing Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom he called “anti-American.”
Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, began the day at the Staten Island Republican Party headquarters in New Dorp, where supporters welcomed him. He then traveled over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to meet with Brooklyn Republicans at their Dyker Heights office.
Speaking in Brooklyn, Blakeman pledged to end New York City’s sanctuary city designation and said his administration would work to reduce taxes and leave more money in residents’ pockets.
Blakeman also presented himself as the candidate best positioned to protect New Yorkers from what he described as Mamdani’s “communist” agenda. He repeated his campaign attacks against the mayor, labeling him “antisemitic,” “anti-Christian” and “anti-American.”
He also poked fun at Mamdani’s brief campaign appearance in Brooklyn on Friday alongside Hochul, suggesting the limited time together reflected their personal chemistry.
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“They were only here for 15 minutes. Even Zohran Mamdani can’t stand to be with her for more than 15 minutes,” Blakeman said jokingly.
Hochul enters the Nov. 3 general election with a 14-point advantage over Blakeman, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday.
US Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican representing Staten Island and Brooklyn, and GOP comptroller candidate Joseph Hernandez also addressed the crowd.
“Let’s deliver this victory for the United States of America,” Malliotakis said. She is strongly favored to win re-election against Democrat Mike DeCillis.
“We will never allow a socialist takeover of our state or our country! As Frank Sinatra said, ‘It’s up to you, New York.’ So let’s do this,” she added.
Blakeman was expected to continue his New York City campaign tour later Saturday with a rally outside the Flushing Public Library in Queens.
