Bruce Blakeman attacked New York Gov. Kathy Hochul during a campaign rally, calling her a “puppet” of Zohran Mamdani. The Republican gubernatorial candidate criticized her partnership with New York City’s mayor. His remarks focused on crime, immigration, and their political alliance.
Bruce Blakeman has a name for Kathy Hochul amid NYC rally
Blakeman made the comments Sunday at a rally in Yorktown Heights, New York. The Nassau County executive accused Hochul of embracing Mamdani’s agenda instead of addressing public safety concerns. He has repeatedly criticized the Democratic leaders over their approach to crime.
“Kathy Hochul, she was out campaigning with Mamdani this week,” Blakeman said, according to the New York Post. “And I say that’s great,” he added. He then urged Hochul to continue appearing alongside the mayor.
“Please take him everywhere you go, Kathy, because 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,” Blakeman continued. His puppet remark intensified his criticism of the governor’s political partnership with Mamdani. The comments reflected Blakeman’s campaign position, rather than an established description of their relationship.
Hochul has appeared with Mamdani at campaign events, including a recent Brooklyn rally. The governor is seeking reelection to a second full term. Their shared appearances have highlighted affordability and childcare as priorities for working families.
Mamdani’s rise has also coincided with growing influence for democratic socialists in New York politics. Candidates aligned with his movement secured major congressional primary victories this year. Those results included challenges that unseated two Democratic incumbents.
The heated exchanges between Blakeman, Hochul, and Mamdani highlight the growing tensions in New York’s gubernatorial campaign. With each candidate taking sharp aim at the others, public safety and leadership remain key points of contention.
As the race continues, these clashes are likely to shape how voters view the candidates and their priorities.
