Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman claims he was prevented from speaking at the West Indian Day parade breakfast, alleging the decision was made to accommodate Democratic officials, including Gov. Kathy Hochul. Blakeman, currently the Nassau County executive, stated that he was invited to offer remarks at the event but was later informed he would not be speaking after Hochul confirmed her attendance.
Sources close to Blakeman's campaign told The Post that the invitation was rescinded after Hochul RSVP'd. The Democratic candidate also pointed to a prior incident at the Dominican Day parade in August where he claims Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo would not yield the microphone to him.
"Kathy Hochul blocked me from the Dominican Day Parade, and now the West Indian Day Parade," Blakeman said. "As the polls tighten and more New Yorkers learn about her tax-hiking record, it's clear why she doesn't want me to have a mic. No matter what she does, she can't keep me from making the case for a better and more affordable New York."
However, a parade organizer disputed Blakeman's account, stating that he was never invited to speak nor was he scheduled to deliver remarks. The organizer explained that the speaking program was limited to statewide and citywide elected officials, along with three local Brooklyn representatives, at the request of the NYPD to ensure the parade started on time. Blakeman purchased a table and is still scheduled to attend the event, which is described as nonpartisan.
Organizers confirmed that Hochul and other elected officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, City Comptroller Mark Levine, and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, are slated to speak. Hochul has participated in the West Indian Day Parade annually since its return in 2022 following the COVID-19 hiatus.
A spokesperson for Governor Hochul's campaign dismissed Blakeman's claims, calling them "fake."