New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly denounced Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman on Wednesday, labeling the former Nassau County executive’s remarks as “bigotry and racism.” Mamdani made the comments to reporters after Blakeman faced Governor Kathy Hochul in a televised debate on Tuesday.
Mayor’s criticism of Blakeman’s record
When asked whether he was troubled by Hochul’s lack of response to Blakeman’s claim that the mayor was an antisemite, Mamdani replied, “It is hard for anyone to keep up with all of the bigotry and racism that Bruce Blakeman exhibits on a regular basis.” He added that the governor “did a good job” and that it would be a “fool’s errand” to expect anyone to catch every instance of Blakeman’s alleged conduct.
Policy disagreements highlighted
Mamdani argued that Blakeman’s policy positions would make life harder for working families. He cited Blakeman’s televised criticism of the city’s universal childcare initiative, calling it a reward for “lazy parents” who stay home to watch “The View.” Mamdani also referenced Blakeman’s statements about cutting Medicaid in half, suggesting such cuts would hurt vulnerable New Yorkers.
ICE controversy fuels the debate
The debate opened with questions about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a recent shooting of a 28‑year‑old Dominican national in the Bronx. Blakeman accused Governor Hochul of creating a sanctuary state that allows illegal immigrants with criminal histories to remain in New York. He claimed his county had removed over 2,000 illegal migrants with serious offenses through a cooperative agreement with ICE, emphasizing that cooperation with federal law enforcement makes communities safer.
Governor Hochul labeled Blakeman’s response a “non‑answer,” noting that he refused to condemn the ICE shooting. She warned that allowing ICE agents to fire into vehicles without knowing who is inside could endanger children, referencing a 5‑year‑old who was unharmed in the Bronx incident.
Mayor defends state’s sanctuary stance
Mamdani defended Hochul’s sanctuary policies, arguing that they reflect a vision of a more affordable New York. He asserted that the governor’s approach to immigration enforcement aligns with the city’s commitment to protect all residents, regardless of legal status, and that cutting cooperation with ICE would jeopardize public safety.
Context and reactions
Blakeman’s remarks about ICE and Medicaid have drawn criticism from Democratic leaders, who argue his positions threaten public health and safety. The mayor’s strong language underscores the deep partisan divide in New York’s upcoming gubernatorial race, where immigration enforcement and social‑service funding remain key flashpoints.
Fox News contributor Greg Norman provided additional reporting for this story.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
