Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman has launched a new initiative, titled “Protect the New York Dream,” aimed at combating what he describes as socialist policies in New York. The agenda focuses on protecting homeownership, merit-based public education, private property rights, and jobs.
Blakeman stated that current policies championed by Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani undermine the state's residents. "When [Gov. Kathy] Hochul and [NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani] tell homeowners that their success is a problem, tell high-achieving students that merit doesn’t matter, and give politically connected organizations greater control over private property, they are undermining the very people who built this state. That ends when I’m governor," Blakeman said.
A Siena Poll released Tuesday indicated Blakeman has narrowed the incumbent governor's lead to 10%. The initiative is presented as a response to policies such as the new pied-à-terre tax on luxury second homes in New York City, supported by Mamdani and not opposed by Hochul.
Blakeman's plan includes defending and expanding Gifted & Talented programs and specialized high schools, which he argues are being targeted by Mamdani due to concerns about systemic inequities. Blakeman pledged that if elected, he would ensure students are recognized for academic excellence and that educational standards would not be lowered.
Furthermore, Blakeman committed to protecting New Yorkers' property rights, asserting their right to own, control, and sell their properties without government interference. He specifically referenced the “Community Opportunity for Purchase Act,” which he described as stalled legislation designed to control private property sales, noting that Hochul's running mate, former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, supports it. This legislation, he explained, would require select "community land trusts" and other nonprofits focused on affordable housing to have the first opportunity to purchase residential buildings with at least three units and match competing private offers.
Blakeman also reiterated his commitment to reversing high tax burdens and progressive local agendas, which he claims are driving businesses and taxpayers to relocate to states like Florida. His campaign has previously centered on promises to improve New York's safety and affordability, including a pledge from May to provide significant financial relief within his first 100 days as governor. This relief would include a 10% income tax cut for individuals earning under $250,000 and the elimination of state income tax on the first $50,000 for single filers and $100,000 for joint filers.
"People came to New York from across the world because they wanted to live in a nation of peace, freedom, and opportunity," Blakeman stated. "Now, politicians like Zohran Mamdani and Kathy Hochul are bringing those socialist ideas to New York, making it nearly impossible for people who work hard to get ahead. I have news for the Hochul-Mamdani Team: the New York Dream is not dead, and I will fight to protect it."
In response, Hochul spokesman Ryan Radulovacki asserted that New Yorkers would benefit more from re-electing Hochul, highlighting her administration's achievements. "Governor Hochul passed universal free school meals and a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools, cut red tape to lower housing costs, and brought middle-class taxes to historic lows," he said. Radulovacki also criticized Blakeman, stating, "But Blakeman refusing to build affordable housing and bragging about it, then letting” Trump slash education funding in New York “and raise costs on families, is still ‘100% MAGA.’"