Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman has pledged to block New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's policy initiatives if elected governor, asserting that proposals such as government-run grocery stores, tax increases, and expanded public spending would negatively impact the state's economy and prompt further business and resident departures.
Blakeman, who is challenging incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, stated that he would not accommodate Mamdani's agenda. "When I become governor, I'm not going to let him destroy the fabric of New York City. I'm not going to let him destroy the economy of New York City, and I'm not going to let him make New York unsafe," Blakeman told Fox News Digital. "Those are all things he's doing right now, and I will stop him."
Mamdani's policy proposals, which include city-owned grocery stores, free bus service, and rent freezes, have drawn criticism from Republicans who argue these plans would increase the size of government at the expense of taxpayers and small businesses.
Blakeman specifically criticized the idea of city-owned grocery stores, arguing that government entities should not compete with private businesses, particularly family-owned establishments. "I don't want to compete with bodega owners and small grocery stores in New York. Government should not be competing with the private sector," Blakeman said. He characterized the proposal as "complete nonsense" and predicted that taxpayers would bear the cost.
Blakeman outlined his own agenda, focusing on tax cuts, reduced utility costs, and measures to encourage businesses to remain in New York. He also stated that upon taking office, he would sign an executive order rescinding New York's status as a sanctuary state. Blakeman proposed significant middle-class tax cuts, including eliminating state income tax for single filers earning $50,000 or less and joint filers earning up to $100,000. Additionally, he pledged to reduce utility rates by half, attributing current high costs to what he described as the state's "green energy scam."
A spokesperson for Governor Hochul's campaign, Ryan Radulovacki, dismissed Blakeman's proposals, stating that Blakeman is too focused on appealing to the far-right and Donald Trump to address the needs of New Yorkers. The Mamdani administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment.