Both candidates repeatedly fell back on their campaign talking points during their 60-minute debate at Spectrum News NY1’s studios above Chelsea Market, which marked what may have been their best chance to appeal directly to New York voters three weeks before Election Day.
The debate seemed to lack any major gaffes or viral moments that could meaningfully shift the race. Hochul, the incumbent Democrat, touted her record in office while bringing up Blakeman’s support for Trump no fewer than 10 times, a move she hopes will resonate in a state where polls show most voters have a low opinion of the Republican president.
“This is your choice, New Yorkers,” she said, noting Blakeman once said he wants to bring “Trump-style leadership” to Albany. “I'm not letting this happen.” Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, repeatedly blamed Hochul for rising gas and electric bills across the state.
He said Hochul had made the state less safe through New York’s sanctuary policies for migrants. But he largely shied away from tying Hochul to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other democratic socialists, whom the Republican has used as a boogeyman while campaigning in more moderate and conservative areas of the state.
Blakeman’s strategy has been complicated in recent months by Trump, who has embraced the socialist mayor. “I’m going to ask you to vote for change,” Blakeman said in his opening statement.