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With election 3 weeks away, Hochul and Blakeman to square off in lone NY governor debate
Gothamist • • nation
Key Points:
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican Bruce Blakeman will hold their only debate on Tuesday night, three weeks before the Nov. 3 election, providing voters a final direct comparison between the candidates.
- Polls show Hochul leading Blakeman by 11 points, with most voters already decided, making the debate more about motivating each candidate's base than persuading undecided voters.
- Both candidates have enlisted prominent party figures to boost turnout, with Hochul appearing alongside progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Blakeman rallying with former President Donald Trump.
- The candidates are focusing on affordability issues, with Blakeman promising tax and utility rate cuts while blaming Hochul for rising costs, and Hochul highlighting childcare subsidies and energy rebates while criticizing Blakeman’s ties to Trump.
- Early voting in New York begins Oct. 24, marking the final phase of the campaign after the debate.
