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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has been officially designated as the Republican Party's nominee for New York governor during a ceremony at the Republican State Convention in Garden City on Wednesday.
The state GOP committee unanimously voted for Blakeman and his running mate, Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, despite facing challenging odds in the upcoming election against incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.
"When I ran, everybody knew I had no chance," said former Republican Governor George Pataki at the convention, according to City & State New York. Pataki, the last Republican to win statewide office in New York, left office in 2006. "I know Bruce Blakeman can win, even against the odds," he added.
In his acceptance speech, Blakeman wasted no time criticizing Governor Hochul, attacking her stance on green energy mandates, congestion pricing, and her alignment with progressive politicians. "Make no mistake about it, if Kathy Hochul is reelected, she will expand the radical agenda of billion-dollar tax hikes, defend criminals and cede control of your communities to criminals," Blakeman said.
The nomination came after some last-minute changes to the Republican ticket. Just days before the convention, Fulton County Sheriff Robert Giardino, who was initially selected as Blakeman's running mate, publicly declined the offer. Hours later, Blakeman unveiled Hood as his new running mate.
President Donald Trump endorsed Blakeman in a pre-recorded video played at the convention. "Be sure to get out and vote in November so we can save New York state," Trump said. "I'll be working with Bruce very hard. We'll do a great job... He is a winner."
Despite the enthusiasm at the convention, Blakeman faces an uphill battle. According to a recent Siena poll, Governor Hochul currently enjoys record-high favorability and maintains a 54%-28% lead over Blakeman.
State Senator and Minority Leader Rob Ortt noted during the ceremony that Nassau County is majority Democrat, yet voters are still turning out for Blakeman, suggesting potential crossover appeal.
As Nassau County Executive, Blakeman has focused on public safety initiatives, hiring 600 new police and law enforcement officers, and has positioned himself as a tax-cutter who eliminated $150 million in property tax hikes scheduled by his predecessor.
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