Bruce Blakeman vs. Kathy Hochul: What to Know as New York Votes for Governor

New Yorkers are voting Tuesday, Nov. 3, on whether to give Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul another four years or replace her with Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive. Polls in New York are open until 9 p.m. ET, and no results had been reported as of early Tuesday evening.

Results are pending. No winner has been projected. For official numbers after polls close, check the New York State Board of Elections at elections.ny.gov.

Who is Bruce Blakeman?

Bruce A. Blakeman is the Republican nominee for governor and the county executive of Nassau County on Long Island, according to CBS New York. If elected, he would be the first Republican to govern New York in 20 years, ABC7 New York reported. CBS New York noted that a Democrat has occupied the governor’s mansion in Albany for nearly two decades.

On the campaign trail, Blakeman has focused on taxes, utility costs and public safety. “Make your voices heard if you want to reduce taxes. You want your utility bills cut in half. And you want safer communities. And you want change,” he told voters on Tuesday, per ABC7. He also said he needed support beyond the Republican base.

CBS New York reported that Blakeman has refused to disavow President Donald Trump, who has “loomed large” over the race. Some voters who spoke to ABC7 said Blakeman’s support for the president’s agenda was a factor in their vote.

Hochul vs. Blakeman: what the polls showed

Heading into Election Day, major polls showed Hochul with a double-digit lead among likely voters, according to FOX 5 New York:

Quinnipiac’s poll suggested the race had tightened from a 19-point Hochul lead in September, FOX 5 reported. Marist found both candidates had low favorability ratings: 41% viewed Hochul favorably and 36% viewed Blakeman favorably. Polls are snapshots and don’t decide elections; only vote counts do.

What issues are driving the New York governor race?

Cost of living, the economy and immigration topped voters’ concerns in the Quinnipiac poll, per FOX 5. Hochul drew more than 70% support from likely voters who prioritized cost of living and the economy, while more than 70% of those focused on immigration preferred Blakeman.

Affordability came up again and again with New York City voters who talked to CBS New York after casting ballots. Others told ABC7 they were worried about the state’s business climate.

Election Day in New York: what to know

• Poll hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
• Early voting: Nearly 2 million New Yorkers voted early, ABC7 reported.
• Westchester County: Ballot scanners failed to accept ballots at many sites due to a programming issue, according to the state Board of Elections. Voters used emergency ballots, which can’t be counted until after 9 p.m., so some results may come in later. The BOE said “every valid vote will be counted,” per CBS New York.
• Other races: Several closely watched House races are on the ballot, including NY-17 (Rep. Mike Lawler vs. Cait Conley) and Long Island’s NY-3 and NY-4, CBS New York reported.

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