GOP Candidate Blakeman Courts Disaffected Democrats in New York

Republican New York gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman is actively seeking support from disaffected Democrats, asserting that frustration over affordability, crime, and the Democratic Party's progressive drift could sway traditionally Democratic voters.

Blakeman, who is challenging incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul, expressed confidence in his ability to attract these voters. "Every time I go out and meet the people, another Democrat comes up to me and says, 'Bruce, I'm a lifelong Democrat. I've never voted Republican in my life. We're voting for you,'" Blakeman told Fox News Digital.

This sentiment was echoed by former Democratic Bronx Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman, who criticized the current direction of the Democratic Party. "They're not Democrats. They're socialists and communists. They're just not Democrats, they're not moderates," Kaufman stated while rallying with Blakeman in the Bronx.

Kaufman further accused the Democratic Socialists of America of gaining increasing influence within the party, suggesting that Democrats are "rapidly becoming a house of hatred" that alienates moderate voices. Several Bronx residents who spoke with Fox News Digital shared similar concerns, citing rising costs, public safety issues, and the party's increasingly progressive stance as reasons for feeling politically abandoned.

"It's not your Democratic Party anymore. It's not your grandfather's Democratic Party. It's become the Democratic Socialist, a.k.a. Communist Party," said Lisa, a Bronx resident. Another voter expressed frustration over policies affecting homeowners and stated, "The socialists here literally said we’re land-hoarding if we only have a single-family home or a four-family home and that we were a problem… Kathy was all in support and quiet about it. She didn’t defend the homeowners."

Blakeman criticized Hochul's leadership, pointing to tax increases, utility rate hikes, and policies like cashless bail. "Kathy Hochul has raised taxes. She's raised utility rates 48 times. Programs like cashless bail make it easier for criminals to operate in our neighborhoods. So now I have the evidences. I have her report card and it's straight F's," Blakeman said.

He contrasted his approach with Hochul's, pledging to cut taxes and utility bills while improving community safety. Blakeman highlighted his record as Nassau County executive, where he claims to have not raised taxes in five years and instead cut them by $150 million.

Kaufman contended that Hochul has catered to the further left of her party, citing increased electricity rates and the closure of utility plants as examples. "The electricity rates have skyrocketed. She's had 42 increases over time. She wouldn't permit building of gas lines. She's closed utility plants. All she does is move harder and harder to the left. Which don't represent people in this neighborhood," he said. "Every time she has a problem, she goes crying to the hard left. She's totally controlled by them."

The influence of socialist factions within the Democratic Party has been noted in New York, with figures like Zohran Mamdani elected mayor and other DSA-backed candidates achieving electoral success in congressional primaries. Similar victories have been reported in other states, including Colorado and Washington, D.C.

Hochul's office was contacted for comment.