Kathy Hochul's reelection campaign marked her fifth anniversary as New York governor Monday by highlighting her record on public safety, health care, education and affordability while attacking Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.
In an emailed statement, campaign spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki credited Hochul with strengthening state gun laws, investing in law enforcement, expanding protections against medical debt and delivering inflation and energy rebate checks to New Yorkers. The governor's campaign contrasted those actions with Blakeman's positions on immigration enforcement, Medicaid, gun restrictions and President Donald Trump.
The campaign said more than 10,000 illegal guns have been taken off New York streets during Hochul's tenure and cited nearly $4 billion in public safety spending since she took office. It also pointed to state bans on insulin and asthma inhaler copays and additional consumer protections involving medical debt.
On education, the campaign highlighted state investments in public schools, New York's restrictions on student cellphone use during the school day and free school meals for children statewide. It also said Hochul recovered $187 million in counterterrorism funding after the Trump administration sought reductions.
The statement criticized Blakeman for promoting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, describing higher gas prices as short-term pain, supporting Medicaid cuts and opposing some restrictions on carrying guns in schools and houses of worship. It also cited Blakeman's past comments about remaining loyal to Trump.
The release linked to state announcements, media reports and prior comments but did not include a response from Blakeman. Hochul's campaign said more work remains and framed the anniversary as a contrast between the two candidates' priorities.
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