GOP Candidate Blakeman Challenges Hochul to Sign 'No New Taxes' Pledge

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has signed a pledge committing to "no new taxes" and is challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul to join him in making the same vow. Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor, issued the dare on Friday, days before his election contest against the Democratic incumbent.

Blakeman's pledge comes after Hochul provided an ambiguous response when questioned about potential tax increases following an endorsement from Zohran Mamdani, a proponent of higher taxes. "Kathy Hochul has never met a tax she didn’t like, and Zohran Mamdani has never met one he didn’t want to raise," Blakeman stated. "I signed this pledge to draw a hard line against tax hikes. I challenge Kathy Hochul to sign it, too—or admit to voters that another four years will bring new taxes, reckless spending, and more broken promises."

If elected governor, Blakeman has reaffirmed his commitment to veto any income tax hikes, block new taxes inspired by Mamdani, such as significant alterations to estate taxes, and prevent property taxes from increasing due to unfunded state mandates. The five-point pledge includes: "1. No tax increases, 2. No hidden property tax increases, 3. No new inheritance or estate taxes, 4. New revenue for tax relief — not new spending and 5. Restore New York’s competitiveness." The pledge cites a report from the American Tax Foundation that ranked New York as having the most unfavorable tax environment in the nation.

In response, Hochul's campaign spokesperson, Ryan Radulovacki, asserted that Governor Hochul has reduced middle-class taxes to their lowest point in 70 years and has not increased income taxes. Radulovacki criticized Blakeman, stating, "There’s only one candidate in the race for governor who’s actually cut taxes for families and it’s not Bruce Blakeman, who jacked up property taxes twice."

However, Hochul has not explicitly pledged not to raise taxes after the election, particularly as Mamdani actively campaigns for her. Hochul acknowledged Mamdani's support, stating, "A year ago I was out campaigning with the mayor. He has returned the favor and campaigned for me and I’m grateful for that."

Earlier this year, Hochul rejected Mamdani's proposals for income tax increases but did implement the pied-à-terre tax on high-value second homes in New York City.

A state budget report released Friday indicated that New York has an excess of revenue, partly due to investments in artificial intelligence contributing to a Wall Street boom. The state budget office anticipates an additional $8.6 billion in tax revenue compared to initial projections, increasing the total state budget to $282 billion. This surplus is expected to boost state reserve funds from $15 billion to $20 billion this year, with a further $2 billion increase planned for the 2028 fiscal year. Despite this surplus, the budget office still projects deficits of $2.9 billion for the next budget cycle, followed by $5.8 billion and $8.9 billion gaps in subsequent years.