Gubernatorial Candidate Blasts Hochul on Subway Safety During Campaign Stop

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman rode the New York City subway system on Monday, using the occasion to sharply criticize Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani over public safety concerns on public transit. Blakeman, who is the Nassau County executive, stated that he had heard from no one who felt safer on the subways, and instead, people felt less secure.

"Hire more police officers, hire more conductors, clean up our subways and get help for those who are emotionally ill – get them help that they need; not have them roam around our subways," Blakeman told reporters. He accused Hochul and Mamdani of policies that have led to a significant increase in subway crime.

Blakeman specifically targeted Governor Hochul's decision to veto legislation that would have required conductors on more subway trains. He argued that while police presence is important, the presence of conductors also contributes to passengers' sense of security. "I want to increase the numbers so that people feel safe," he said.

Blakeman labeled Hochul as the "most pro-criminal governor in the United States of America," citing several criminal justice and immigration policies. He listed cashless bail, Raise the Age legislation, the HALT Act, Clean Slate, and a refusal to cooperate with ICE as policies that have diminished public safety.

Cashless bail laws alter the conditions under which judges can mandate bail payments. The Raise the Age law generally directs 16- and 17-year-olds into the adult criminal court system, while the HALT Act modifies solitary confinement practices and prison disciplinary procedures. The Clean Slate Act allows for the sealing of certain criminal convictions from public view after a specified period.

Blakeman also criticized the concept of congestion pricing, referring to it as a tax on the middle class that does not improve air quality. He contrasted his commitment to public safety with what he characterized as the Democrats' negative influence on the issue, asserting, "People feel less safe in every community that I go to in New York State."