Blakeman Criticizes Hochul as Puppeteer of Mamdani
Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor in New York, harshly criticized Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul during a rally in Yorktown Heights on Sunday. He referred to Hochul as a “puppet” of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a figure associated with democratic socialism.
At the rally, Blakeman, who serves as Nassau County’s executive, claimed that Hochul is adopting the mayor’s agenda while neglecting pressing issues like illegal immigration and rising crime rates. He noted, “Kathy Hochul, she was out campaigning with Mamdani this week,” adding, “And I say that’s great.” He expressed a wish for Hochul to continue campaigning with Mamdani, suggesting, “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.”
Hochul has actively campaigned alongside Mamdani, including at a recent event in Brooklyn. This partnership comes amid a growing influence of democratic socialists within New York’s political landscape. Following Mamdani’s election as mayor last year, candidates aligned with this movement have made significant gains, even defeating two Democratic incumbents in congressional primaries this year.
Blakeman has consistently targeted Hochul and Mamdani for their handling of public safety, asserting that both have failed to adequately address crime. Earlier this month, he publicly branded Hochul as the “most pro-criminal governor,” claiming they both have not kept commuters safe on public transit.
Mamdani did not hold back in his criticism of Blakeman, accusing him of harboring “bigotry and racism” during a recent debate. In response to a question about Hochul’s handling of Blakeman’s criticisms, Mamdani commented, “I think the governor did a good job,” suggesting that trying to counter Blakeman’s remarks might be a futile effort.
While campaigning together, Hochul and Mamdani have emphasized issues like affordability and child care, positioning their policies as beneficial for working families. Their allies have been vocal about the potential impact of their joint campaign.
Fox News Digital has reached out for comments from both Hochul and Mamdani’s offices.
