Hochul and Blakeman Clash in Sole Gubernatorial Debate
New York's gubernatorial candidates traded barbs on affordability, immigration, and former President Trump in their only scheduled debate, with election analysts offering mixed reviews.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and her Republican challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, met Tuesday night for their sole gubernatorial debate, addressing key issues including affordability, immigration, and their connections to former President Donald Trump. The contest, with the Nov. 3 election less than three weeks away, has seen Hochul consistently leading in polls, though Blakeman aims to narrow the gap.
Experts offered varied assessments of the debate's outcome. O’Brien O.B. Murray, a campaign strategist, declared Blakeman the winner, stating Hochul appeared "out of practice" and on her "back foot." Murray noted Blakeman's strong opening on immigration and energy costs, while Hochul's best moments came when she linked Blakeman to Trump. However, Murray suggested Hochul relied too heavily on this strategy.
Liz Benjamin, a Marathon Strategies operative, called the debate a tie, arguing neither candidate made a decisive error nor delivered a knockout blow. Benjamin pointed to Blakeman's effective criticism on the handling of a corrections officers strike and the Cornell University board matter. She noted Blakeman's "Donald Trump is my friend" comment could become fodder for attack ads. For Hochul, Benjamin highlighted her deflection of criticism regarding Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Alyssa Cass, a Democratic strategist, favored Hochul, believing Blakeman was focused on a past election cycle. Cass cited Blakeman's strong attack line on utility costs, where he stated, "Kathy, Donald Trump didn’t raise utility rates 48 times. You did." Hochul's effective dismissal of Blakeman's endorsements, saying, "You've got two votes, good for you," was also highlighted.
Rob Ryan, a Republican strategist, also named Blakeman the winner, crediting him with confidence and preparation. Ryan suggested Blakeman effectively highlighted Hochul's vulnerabilities, particularly regarding law enforcement support and the murder of a murder victim's family by an undocumented immigrant. Ryan criticized Hochul's "snarky side" and her handling of the AI data center moratorium.
Shawn Donahue, an assistant political science professor at the University at Buffalo, declared the debate a tie. Donahue felt neither candidate delivered a memorable performance and that the debate would likely not sway undecided voters. He noted Blakeman's attempt to distance himself from Trump on abortion rights and Hochul's successful use of Trump's name to counter Blakeman's cost-cutting promises.
Key exchanges included Blakeman's criticism of Hochul's handling of rising utility bills and the state's sanctuary policies. Hochul, in turn, frequently linked Blakeman to Donald Trump, a strategy that some analysts felt was overused. The candidates also clashed over Hochul's board membership at Cornell University amidst controversy surrounding the school's response to an alleged gang rape.
Blakeman's comments about Trump being the "best president of my lifetime" were noted as potentially damaging in New York. Hochul's response to questions about expanding the data center moratorium also drew criticism for perceived evasion.