Hochul Criticizes Blakeman’s Attack Over Head Scarf

Governor Kathy Hochul has called out her Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman as “reprehensible” for his comments regarding her wearing a head scarf during an event at a mosque.

The New York governor faced backlash from conservatives after images of her in a head scarf surfaced, leading Blakeman to mockingly refer to her as “hijab Hochul” in a social media post.

Blakeman, currently serving as the elected Nassau County executive, described the traditional garb as a “costume” and accused Hochul of “political pandering,” especially with the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaching.

In response, Hochul expressed her dismay, stating, “To try and divide New Yorkers based on their religion — I think it’s reprehensible. He has taken this to a new level, and I think that voters will reject that,” as she spoke to reporters on Long Island following an unrelated event.

Wearing head coverings, like scarves, is a customary practice for women visiting mosques. Hochul pointed out that many prominent figures, including former first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush, as well as Ivanka Trump, have also donned them when meeting with Muslim leaders.

“It’s a sign of respect to the religion of the people, and if he has a problem with that, it says a lot more about him than it does anybody else,” Hochul remarked, further addressing Blakeman’s comments. “I reject anyone who tries to use this as another way to separate us as New Yorkers during a time when we should be coming together and supporting each other.”

Interestingly, Blakeman himself had worn a head covering at a Sikh event in Nassau County the previous year, as shown in images from his social media at the time.

In a statement to the media, Blakeman reiterated his critique, invoking the memory of his nephew who perished in the September 11 attacks. “Kathy Hochul don’t lecture me about 9/11 and unity. My nephew Tommy was murdered that day giving first aid to a severely burned woman. He was a state employee and a hero,” he stated vehemently.

Blakeman continued, “You have aligned yourself with Zohran Mamdani who won’t speak against ‘Global Intifada,’ which was the goal of his murderers who killed him and thousands of New Yorkers. This November, New Yorkers will unify around me to save this state.”

Adding to the fray, President Trump weighed in on the controversy in a post on Truth Social, suggesting, “Congestion Pricing in Manhattan is hurting her with everybody, but especially the people for whom she wears the hijab. The whole thing is CRAZY!”