Republican candidate Blakeman courts disaffected Democrats amid criticism of Hochul

Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for New York governor, is targeting disillusioned Democrats in the Bronx, arguing that Governor Kathy Hochul’s policies have pushed the state further left. Former Democratic Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman criticized the Democratic Socialists of America’s growing influence, labeling the party a “house of hatred.” Voters at the Crosstown Diner voiced frustration over higher living costs, crime and what they see as a shift toward democratic socialism.

Blakeman promised tax cuts, lower utility bills and safer neighborhoods, citing his tenure as Nassau County executive where he claims not to have raised taxes. He contrasted his record with Hochul’s alleged tax increases, utility rate hikes and support for cashless bail. The article also notes recent successes of socialist-aligned candidates in New York and elsewhere, such as Zohran Mamdani, Melat Kiros, and Janeese Lewis George.