Hochul and Blakeman to square off in first and only debate
Published on:
October 12, 2026
Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman will square off Tuesday in their first and only debate. Photos contributed.
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NEW YORK― Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman will square off Tuesday, October 13 in their first and only debate of the New York gubernatorial race.
Hochul has sought to tie Blakeman to President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, while Blakeman has taken aim at Hochul’s record in office, criticizing her immigration policies, approach to ICE enforcement, taxes and rising utility costs.
“This is a battle for the heart and soul of our state,” Blakeman said during a campaign stop at Anthony’s Banquet Hall in Leeds this summer.
Blakeman has made public safety, tax relief, lower utility costs and an end to New York’s sanctuary policies central themes of his campaign. He has sharply criticized Hochul, branding her the “biggest pickpocket in America.”
“I’ll put my record up to anybody’s any time,” Hochul said at a recent news conference.
Hochul highlighted her administration’s middle-class tax cuts, rebates, childcare initiatives and free community college programs for adult learners. She also sought to link Blakeman to the president, arguing that tariffs, which she dubbed the “Trump tax,” are driving up costs for New Yorkers.
Hochul has served as governor since August 2021, when she took office following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo. She secured her first full four-year term in November 2022, defeating Republican challenger Lee Zeldin by 6.4 percentage points, or approximately 327,311 votes. Polls then showed Hochul with a double-digit lead ahead of the election.
This time around, Hochul once again holds a double-digit lead in the most recent polls, with a Marist survey showing her 11 points ahead of Blakeman and an Emerson poll placing her lead at 12 points.
Blakeman, who serves as Nassau County executive, touts that he was re-elected in 2025 by 12 points in a Democrat-leaning county.
Blakeman has tapped Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as his lieutenant governor running mate, while Hochul is seeking reelection alongside former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
Tuesday’s hour-long showdown begins at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast from Spectrum News NY1’s Chelsea studios in New York City, with political anchors Errol Louis and Susan Arbetter serving as co-moderators.
It will air live on Spectrum News NY1 and local Spectrum News channels, with streaming also available on YouTube.
