Hochul Dodges on Remarks About NYC Mayor in Gubernatorial Debate

During their first and only gubernatorial debate, New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul declined to directly defend New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after her Republican challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, accused Mamdani of being antisemitic, anti-Christian, and un-American.

Blakeman directly addressed Hochul on the debate stage, stating, "You are campaigning around the state with a guy who doesn't believe in American values." He further elaborated, "He talks about collectivism. That means you take personal property rights away. You take other people's property rights. This is a guy that's anti-Christian, couldn't find an hour out of his day to attend the installation of a new archbishop here in New York City, the biggest religion in the city of New York. Look, if you want to campaign with him, that's fine. But I will tell you right now, I think Zohran Mamdani is an antisemite. I believe he's anti-Christian. And I don't think he has American values."

In response, Hochul turned to the moderator and pivoted to a previous question regarding comments Blakeman allegedly made in a private meeting about the NYPD's response to potential violence against the Jewish community by far-left protesters. Blakeman disputed her characterization of the meeting but acknowledged Mamdani's selection of Jessica Tisch as NYPD commissioner. The moderator then called to move on.

Blakeman reiterated his stance, adding, "Antisemitism is on the rise, and it's occurred under your watch, and Zohran Mamdani is fueling it," before the discussion shifted to other topics.

Following the debate, Republican officials quickly shared their reactions on social media. The Republican National Committee's Northeast Comms Director, Kristin Cianci, posted on X, "Zohran Mamdani is an antisemite, he’s anti-Christian, and he’s anti-American. And Kathy Hochul is campaigning with him. What an utter disgrace. New York deserves better."

The New York Republican Party also posted on X, stating, "Zohran Mamdani is an antisemite, anti-Christian and anti-American. And he's Kathy Hochul's best friend."

The day after the debate, Hochul was asked by a reporter about her decision not to defend Mamdani. Speaking at a press conference, Hochul dismissed Blakeman's accusations as "insane arguments" and said she would not dignify them with a response. "So, everyone knows I reject that, his description of the mayor. The mayor and I are great partners, we’re working hard together. And I’m not gonna give him the dignity of responding to those kind of crazy comments. And that’s pretty consistent how I’ve been," she stated.

The gubernatorial candidates also clashed on other issues during the debate, including President Donald Trump, an ICE-involved shooting, energy prices, and inflation.

Despite New York being a predominantly Democratic state, recent polling indicates a narrowing gap in the gubernatorial race. A Siena College poll conducted from September 11-17 showed Hochul with 50% support among likely voters, compared to Blakeman's 41%. The poll also indicated that 50% of voters viewed Mamdani's support for Hochul as a positive factor in her re-election bid, while 30% saw it as a negative.