New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman traded attacks over taxes at separate campaign rallies on Saturday, the 31st. Blakeman put forward a pledge to exempt part of income from the state income tax and pressed Hochul on whether she would raise taxes. Hochul denied that she plans to do so.
According to ABC7 New York, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman and Gov. Kathy Hochul held separate rallies in New York City and attacked each other over taxes. In the closing campaign events before Election Day, the two candidates' messages on taxes diverged sharply.
At a rally in Middle Village, Blakeman pledged to eliminate the state income tax on the first $100,000 of income for joint filers. He also said he would cut utility cost burdens by 50%. Claiming that Hochul is dodging questions about possible tax hikes, he said, "She will raise income taxes and property taxes, and even introduce a wealth tax and an inheritance tax."
Hochul campaigned in Jamaica alongside Attorney General Letitia James, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. The Democrats likened Blakeman to former President Donald Trump and highlighted efforts by state government in Albany to make up for federal budget cuts. Hochul denied the claims that she would raise taxes, saying the state can continue health care, child care and infrastructure investments within the current budget.
Some polls show Hochul leading by double digits. Blakeman rejected that. He claimed Hochul is spending $7 million over the final seven days to attack him, saying that is only possible because the race is close, and said turnout favors him.
The ABC7 report does not include details of Blakeman's pledges on property taxes or of Hochul's specific tax plans. The income tax exemption pledge was described as applying to joint filers.