Hochul rejects Blakeman's Mamdani attacks in debate exchange

During a gubernatorial debate on Tuesday night, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul avoided directly defending New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after her opponent, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, labeled the mayor antisemitic, anti-Christian, and un-American. Blakeman criticized the mayor for signing an executive order he claimed diluted the definition of antisemitism. "Shame on you, mayor," Blakeman said. He argued that Mamdani's advocacy for collectivism threatens personal property rights and noted the mayor's absence from the installation of a new archbishop in New York City. Blakeman stated his belief that Mamdani lacks American values before turning to Hochul regarding her campaign partnership with the mayor.

Hochul responded by directing the moderator to a prior question about comments Blakeman made in a meeting described as secret by the New York Times. The topic involved whether the New York City Police Department would intervene if far-left protesters used violence against the Jewish community. Blakeman disputed the characterization of the meeting as secret and shifted focus to praising Mamdani for retaining Jessica Tisch as NYPD commissioner. The moderator moved the discussion to another topic after Blakeman asserted that antisemitism was rising under Hochul's watch and that Mamdani was fueling it.

Republican officials amplified the exchange on social media shortly after the debate. Kristin Cianci, Northeast Comms Director for the Republican National Committee, posted on X that Mamdani is antisemitic and anti-American, calling Hochul's association with him an "utter disgrace." The New York Republican Party also posted on X, describing Mamdani as Hochul's best friend and using similar labels. On Wednesday morning, Hochul addressed the incident during a press conference on a state investment in a community center in Jackson Heights. She stated she was not taking the bait from someone throwing out insane arguments. Hochul described Blakeman's claims as false or absurd and refused to dignify them with a response. She affirmed that she and Mamdani are great partners working hard together.

The candidates clashed on other issues during the debate, including President Donald Trump, a recent ICE-involved shooting, energy prices, and inflation. A Siena College poll conducted Sept. 11-17 found Hochul at 50% support among likely voters in New York, with Blakeman at 41%. The poll indicated that Blakeman had cut his deficit to single digits. Additionally, 50% of voters said Mamdani's support for Hochul is a plus for her re-election bid, compared to 30% who did not view it positively. Democrats outnumber Republicans by a roughly two-to-one margin in New York state.