Potential Gubernatorial Bid from Nassau County Executive

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is reportedly considering a run for governor. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul is said to be contemplating an increase in corporate taxes, a move criticized by a New York Republican as a “tax on the middle class.”

Blakeman mentioned he will decide on his political future “soon” as he travels across New York to gauge support for a potential campaign.

As Blakeman weighs his options, he’s raising concerns about Hochul’s plans to elevate corporate taxes, which he argues are aimed at addressing budget shortfalls and funding Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani’s progressive agenda, as noted by Politico.

“This will hit the middle class hard,” Blakeman told Fox News Digital. “Rising costs will make New York less appealing. We’re already seeing businesses exit the state in record numbers. This tax hike would worsen the situation, driving out affluent individuals and companies, ultimately leading to an economic crisis.”

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Kyle Strober, the executive director of the Association for a Better Long Island, expressed to Fox News Digital that a corporate tax hike could be catastrophic for the economy on Long Island.

“Long Island’s economy relies heavily on New York City and is wrestling with issues like high taxes, expensive living costs, and limited housing. Raising corporate taxes could push even more businesses and high-income earners away, who constitute a major source of the state’s tax revenue,” he explained. “This proposal clearly contradicts Albany’s aim to make New York more affordable for the middle class.”

The Association for a Better Long Island had previously opposed tax hikes in Albany back in 2021 and 2025, particularly those targeting the wealthiest 1% of New Yorkers as well as hikes on corporate taxes.

Pressure from Progressives on Hochul

Hochul faces mounting pressure from progressive factions within the Democratic Party to raise taxes to enable Mamdani to fulfill ambitious campaign promises, such as providing free public transportation, universal childcare, and city-operated grocery stores.

Mamdani has proposed increasing taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and raising the corporate tax rate to match New Jersey’s, from 7.25% to 11.5%. This plan would require Hochul’s consent.

Mamdani Dismisses Criticisms

The governor has backed Mamdani after he secured his party’s nomination but has insisted that she does not plan to tax the top 1%. This has led to protests from his supporters urging him to “tax the rich.”

“We’re witnessing a shift toward a one-party system dominated by the extreme left of the Democratic Party, now led by Mamdani, who has openly identified as a social democrat,” Blakeman remarked, suggesting Mamdani’s rhetoric resembles that of a “communist.”

“He embodies anti-American sentiments,” Blakeman asserted. “His anti-business stance will severely damage New York City’s economy, which is the financial center of the world, and this will inevitably affect my county that borders it.”

Blakeman Warns of Economic Fallout

Blakeman described Hochul’s potential tax increases as a “disaster.” In his view, Republican leadership must actively oppose Mamdani’s proposals.

“When he decides to implement impractical ideas like providing free transportation for everyone—which I view as a mere façade—and fails to prosecute criminals, combined with tax increases and the pursuit of funding from the wealthy, it will only push residents out of New York. We need to resist this,” he said.

A Tale of Two Cities

While New York City elected a leader from the far left, Nassau County re-elected Blakeman, an ally of former President Trump.

“I believe my success stems from standing up for American values and principles. I did not raise taxes at all during my tenure. I employed 600 new law enforcement officers and declared Nassau a non-sanctuary county. I also reached out to communities often overlooked by Republicans,” Blakeman shared, explaining his strategy to build a diverse coalition.

Can Hochul’s campaign spokesperson reacted, mentioning that the governor had cut taxes for the middle class and provided inflation relief directly to New Yorkers.

She argued that Blakeman supports Trump’s tariffs, which could increase costs for households and small businesses, while Hochul focuses on reducing expenses.

In the wake of his recent re-election, Blakeman has received encouragement from both business and political leaders to consider a gubernatorial run, citing his background as a business owner.

As speculation grows about Blakeman’s political ambitions, another Trump ally, Representative Elise Stefanik, has already begun her campaign for governor and garnered support from the New York Republican Party’s chairman.