GARDEN CITY — Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman formally accepted the Republican nomination for governor Wednesday, laying out an agenda centered on tax cuts, energy policy changes and tougher public safety measures.
Blakeman sharply criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul’s record, arguing that rising taxes, higher utility costs and increased crime have made the state unaffordable for many families. He cited what he described as more than $8 billion in tax hikes under Hochul and pointed to electric bills he said are significantly higher than the national average, blaming state energy mandates, utility rate increases and blocked infrastructure projects.
If elected, Blakeman pledged to cut middle-class income taxes, roll back what he called “hidden taxes and mandates” driving up energy costs, and oppose the expansion of congestion pricing beyond Manhattan. He also said he would redirect state spending away from programs benefiting undocumented migrants and toward tax relief, infrastructure, schools and hospitals.
On public safety, Blakeman said he would push to repeal or revise criminal justice policies he believes have weakened law enforcement, including bail reform and elements of the state’s parole and “Raise the Age” laws. He said he would support police agencies statewide and seek to keep violent offenders behind bars.
Blakeman pointed to his tenure as Nassau County executive, where he said he stopped a proposed $150 million tax increase, avoided raising taxes, secured multiple bond rating upgrades and hired more than 600 police and corrections officers. He credited those efforts with helping make Nassau County one of the safest in the nation.
In addition to fiscal and public safety reforms, Blakeman said he would defend Second Amendment rights and pursue policies to restrict transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. He also highlighted his work supporting veterans, including efforts to expand housing for homeless veterans through a partnership with Tunnel to Towers.
Blakeman introduced his statewide running mates: Joseph Hernandez for state comptroller, Saritha Komatireddy for attorney general and Todd Hood for lieutenant governor. He said the team would focus on fiscal responsibility, accountability and restoring affordability across New York.
The general election for governor is scheduled for November.
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