New York Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated a multi-million dollar advertising campaign aimed at bolstering her re-election bid by highlighting her first-term accomplishments and directly linking her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman, to former President Donald Trump. The campaign's release follows a recent Siena College poll showing a tightening race in the traditionally blue state, with Hochul leading Blakeman by 10 percentage points.
One of the new 30-second spots features Hochul in a Westchester pizzeria, referencing her early career experience. She asserts that her gubernatorial tenure has provided relief to New Yorkers, including middle-class tax cuts and the implementation of free school meals. "Order up, still got it," Hochul says in the ad, as she touts her administration's actions against utility companies.
A second ad specifically targets Blakeman, a Nassau County executive, by framing him as aligned with Trump's policies on issues such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare. The advertisement states, "He'll always put Trump ahead of you," and labels Blakeman as "100% MAGA." Blakeman, who has received Trump's endorsement, is depicted in the ad with text overlaying images stating this affiliation.
Blakeman's campaign, through pollster John McLaughlin, dismissed Hochul's strategy as a sign of weakness. McLaughlin argued that voters are aware of Hochul and are dissatisfied with her performance, suggesting the negative ads stem from fear rather than confidence in a strong lead. He pointed out that Trump is no longer in office, making him a less potent attack vector.
Blakeman himself criticized the ads, accusing Hochul of misrepresenting her record on taxes and utility rates. "When Kathy Hochul claims she cut your taxes while handing you an $8 billion tax hike, or brags about holding utility companies accountable after granting them 48 separate rate increases, her pants aren’t just on fire, they’re practically incinerated," Blakeman stated. He pledged to enact actual tax cuts if elected, contrasting it with his record in Nassau County where he claims property taxes have not increased.
The Siena poll indicated Hochul leading Blakeman 49% to 39% among likely voters. Other polls from right-leaning organizations suggest an even narrower margin, with Hochul's lead in the single digits. Hochul's campaign maintains that the advertising push was pre-planned as part of a broader state Democratic Party initiative involving numerous organizing events and is not a direct response to specific poll results.
Financially, Hochul and the Democratic Party hold a significant advantage, possessing approximately $40 million. However, two Super PACs have formed to support Blakeman, including one significantly funded by James Dolan, owner of Madison Square Garden. The "Strong and Safe New York" Super PAC has allocated over $1 million for a digital and streaming ad titled "Get Outta Town," which contends that Hochul's policies are driving New Yorkers out of the state.