Bruce Blakeman alleges speaker removal from West Indian Day Parade breakfast after Hochul RSVP

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican candidate for governor, alleges his planned remarks at the West Indian Day Parade breakfast were cancelled after Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed she would speak, suggesting the move favored Democrats. He referenced a prior incident at the Dominican Day Parade where Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo blocked his microphone. Parade organizers refuted the claim, stating Blakeman was never invited and that the speaking roster was being limited to statewide and citywide elected officials after a request from the NYPD to keep the event on time.

Despite being excluded from the lineup, Blakeman purchased a table and will attend the event. Confirmed speakers include Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, Comptroller Mark Levine and state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The governor’s spokesperson called the accusation “fake.”