Republican gubernatorial challenger Bruce Blakeman has sharply criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul's policies, asserting they have led to deep economic distress in upstate New York. In a recent debate, Blakeman contended that decisions made by Hochul and her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, have harmed the region by limiting access to high-growth industries such as fracking and AI data centers.
Blakeman highlighted the economic disparities between upstate New York and neighboring Pennsylvania, where fracking is permitted. He claimed that while communities on the Pennsylvania side of the border are experiencing prosperity, those on the New York side are struggling, citing an average annual income difference of $27,000 per household due to the fracking ban. Blakeman also pointed to high child poverty rates in upstate cities like Syracuse, Troy, Binghamton, and Rochester, some exceeding 40%.
The challenger specifically criticized Hochul's decision to implement a one-year moratorium on large data center projects, alongside stringent renewable energy requirements. Blakeman argued that this move, intended to appease certain political factions, hinders the development of AI data centers, which he described as a significant generator of blue-collar jobs. He noted that data centers have become the largest source of new blue-collar employment nationally, outpacing hiring in housing, manufacturing, and healthcare, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Blakeman contrasted these policies with Democratic approaches to poverty, such as the Child Poverty Reduction Act, which he characterized as relying on government handouts rather than job creation. He stated that the Democratic plan perpetuates poverty and dependency on the party.
According to a Marist survey, Blakeman leads Hochul 51% to 43% in upstate New York, although Hochul holds a statewide lead. Blakeman has pledged to reverse what he calls the Democrats' "energy destruction" and to make New York "open for business."