Blakeman Secures Police Union Endorsements Ahead of Gubernatorial Election
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman received backing from law enforcement leaders across New York, who cited his record on public safety.
New York law enforcement leaders from across the state have endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for governor, characterizing him as the "common sense" choice over incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul as the election enters its final stretch.
"This election is not about Democrat versus Republican. It’s about common sense," said Nassau Police Benevolent Association president Tommy Shevlin during a press conference Monday outside the county's third police precinct. "It’s time to save our state before we all have to move to Florida. Bruce Blakeman can save our state. He will make this the safest state in the country, just like he did here in this county."
Shevlin was joined by leaders from the Nassau County Corrections Benevolent Association, the Buffalo PBA, the United Coalition of Public Safety, and Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood. They expressed support for Blakeman, citing his track record in Nassau County.
Blakeman, currently serving as Nassau County executive, has frequently highlighted his community as "the safest county in America." He pointed to a more than 25% drop in major crimes since he took office in 2022 as evidence of his administration's effectiveness.
Should he be elected governor on November 3, Blakeman has vowed to implement his crime-fighting strategies statewide. His proposals include restructuring the state parole board to prioritize community safety and removing offenders from the streets. Blakeman has also stated his intention to pardon ex-Sgt. Erik Duran, a former NYPD officer sentenced for fatally striking a suspect with a cooler.
Blakeman criticized Hochul's policies, asserting they have made the state less safe and easier for criminals. "People feel less safe in their communities because of Kathy Hochul’s policies, all they do is make it easier for criminals to prey on our communities," he stated.
In contrast, Gov. Hochul's campaign announced an endorsement from the state police union, the NYS PBA. President Chris Rola stated that Hochul has invested nearly $4 billion in public safety initiatives, leading to a 10% reduction in index crimes, including a 60% decrease in shooting-related deaths.
However, not all police organizations have declared their support in this election cycle, with the NYC PBA and other city law enforcement unions remaining neutral.
As of Monday, public polling indicates Hochul holds a lead over Blakeman, approximately 55% to 41%, with just over a week remaining until the midterm elections.