The union representing New York state correction officers has endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman following the first statewide membership vote on a governor’s race in the organization’s history.
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association said 1,478 members participated in the vote, with 95% supporting the endorsement of Blakeman. 260924_Endorsement
Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, is the Republican and Conservative candidate for governor in the November election, running against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. State election records list Blakeman and Todd Hood as the Republican and Conservative ticket.
NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers said the process was significant because the endorsement was decided directly by members rather than union leadership.
“For the first time in our organization’s history, we took this decision directly to our statewide membership,” Summers said. 260924_Endorsement
The union tied its endorsement to conditions within New York’s correctional system, identifying staffing shortages, mandatory overtime, officer safety, compensation and benefits among its major concerns. 260924_Endorsement 260924_Endorsement
Summers said correction officers experience those issues directly and should have a larger role in decisions about the future of the state’s prison system.
NYSCOPBA said the endorsement doesn’t end its involvement in the race. The union plans to continue pressing Blakeman and other elected officials on staffing, safety, overtime and the long-term direction of state corrections.
“This endorsement is not the end of the conversation. It is the beginning,” Summers said. 260924_Endorsement
Blakeman is currently serving his second term as Nassau County executive and is seeking to unseat Hochul in the Nov. 3 general election.
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