Republican Bruce Blakeman closes New York governor campaign against Hochul
The gist
Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman ended his New York governor campaign at Madison Square Garden as nearly two million ballots were cast.
Polls show Democrat Kathy Hochul ahead by double digits, with a finance-disclosure report surfacing days before the vote.
How it unfolded
- 2021Blakeman defeated Democratic incumbent Laura Curran for Nassau County executive in what many observers viewed as an upset.
- Dec 2025Blakeman became the GOP's gubernatorial candidate after primary challenger upstate Rep. Elise Stefanik withdrew from the race.
- Oct 1, 2026With about five weeks left, Blakeman called for a new bridge to Staten Island; a Siena Poll had Hochul ahead 50-41% and a Quinnipiac Poll had her ahead 58-39%.