Gov. Kathy Hochul defeated Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman in Tuesday's election to win a second term. Hochul said she will continue her child care, housing and energy policies in 2027. The state's Democratic candidates also declared victory in the races for attorney general and comptroller.
According to Gothamist, Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, defeated Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman in Tuesday's gubernatorial election to win a second full term. The Associated Press (AP) called the race for Hochul at 9 p.m. on Nov. 3, when the polls closed. With about 70% of votes counted, Hochul had 63% and Blakeman 37%. Hochul took about 76% of the vote in New York City, which anchored her victory.
Hochul put the cost of living front and center. In ads that cost about $30 million, she touted energy rebate checks, a pause on data center construction and expanded child care as accomplishments. At the same time, she repeatedly highlighted Blakeman's longtime friendship with President Donald Trump in her campaign, in debates and in ads. Gothamist reported that about two-thirds of New York voters view President Trump unfavorably in polls.
Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, attacked Hochul as soft on crime and immigration. He also criticized her for signing a law that limits local governments, including Nassau County, from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. He campaigned on pledges to cut income taxes and utility costs, but that did not change the course of the race. In his concession speech, Blakeman said he had spoken with Hochul by phone and that she had run a great campaign.
Hochul became New York's first female governor in 2021 after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned, and she won her first full term in the 2022 election. Her running mate, former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, will become the first Black woman to serve as New York's lieutenant governor. Attorney General Letitia James and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli also declared victory, giving Democrats a sweep of the statewide races. Republicans have not won a statewide race since former Gov. George Pataki won a third term in 2002.
Gothamist reported that Hochul said she will keep pushing policies for universal child care and expanded housing supply in the 2027 legislative session, and that she aims to broaden energy sources, including nuclear power. Democrats will maintain majorities in both the state Senate and the Assembly. Hochul continues to rule out raising income taxes on the wealthy, despite demands from groups including democratic socialist organizations.