Blakeman Criticizes Hochul at GOP Rally
Bruce Blakeman took aim at Governor Kathy Hochul during a GOP rally at a shopping center in upstate New York, labeling her as the “puppet” of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who he referred to as a leftist leader. He raised concerns about Hochul’s approach to immigration policy, particularly criticizing the state’s sanctuary measures.
The Republican candidate for governor accused Hochul of ignoring crimes attributed to illegal immigrants, claiming her policies are detrimental to public safety. He emphasized that New York is unwilling to cooperate with ICE and suggested that Hochul aligns herself with “un-American” figures like the city’s democratic socialist mayor.
Speaking to a crowd of about 200 supporters at the Triangle Shopping Center in Yorktown Heights, Blakeman addressed Hochul’s recent campaigning with Mamdani. “Please take him everywhere you go, Kathy, because I want to remind people that this un-American, antisemite, anti-Christian mayor is running the Democratic Party and Kathy Hochul is nothing more than his puppet!” he declared.
Blakeman was accompanied by fellow Republican candidates such as Saritha Komatireddy, who is vying to unseat state Attorney General Letitia James, and U.S. Representative Mike Lawler, who faces a challenge from Democrat Cait Conley.
Lawler described Hochul’s spending priorities, saying, “She spends more on criminal illegal migrants than she does on our veterans. She’s an absolute disgrace to serve as our governor,” urging attendees to support Blakeman for the governor’s office.
Among those there was Jessica Gorman, whose daughter, an 18-year-old student from Loyola University, was tragically shot and killed earlier this year, reportedly by an illegal immigrant named Jose Medina. Medina, a 26-year-old Venezuelan migrant, has been charged with murder and illegal gun possession after entering the U.S. unlawfully in 2023.
Gorman expressed her gratitude, saying, “When you call Mike [Lawler] a fighter, you weren’t kidding. And Bruce and Saritha, God, they’re the hope for our communities. I have to be honest with you, I sometimes have days where this feels very hopeless. So thank you for being here for Mike.” She referred to the GOP candidates as “our hope.”
“There is no consequence for committing crimes in New York State,” Blakeman insisted. “We got to get back to American values. The Ten Commandments say thou shalt not steal — except in New York!”
The rally featured refreshments and campaign merchandise, including tote bags labeled “American 250” as well as various items for the candidates. Other Republican attendees included U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis and state Senate candidate Sergio Esposito.
