Bronx, N.Y. – In a rally at the Crosstown Diner, Republican candidate for governor Bruce Blakeman appealed to longtime Democratic voters who say they feel abandoned by Governor Kathy Hochul’s leftward shift. Former Democratic Bronx Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman, now a vocal critic, joined Blakeman onstage and labeled the current Democratic Party as “socialists and communists,” arguing that the party no longer represents moderate families.
Local voters voice frustration
Several Bronx residents echoed Kaufman’s concerns. “It’s not your Democratic Party anymore. It’s become the Democratic Socialist, a.k.a. Communist Party,” said Lisa, a Throggs Neck resident, referencing recent policy moves she says have hurt homeowners. Another voter complained that the party’s stance on land use “land‑hoarding” makes it difficult for families to own single‑family homes.
One registered Democrat explained his shift: “I vote for what affects me, my community, the people I live with. I vote for who will help the middle class.” He added that Hochul’s failure to address rising costs and safety concerns left him no choice but to consider a Republican alternative.
Blakeman’s policy contrast
Blakeman seized the moment to outline his own platform. He pledged to cut taxes, reduce utility bills, and improve public safety – promises he says are backed by his record as Nassau County executive, where he claims he has not raised taxes in five years and cut $150 million in taxes.
“I will cut taxes. I will cut utility bills. And I will make for safer communities just like I did in my own county as county executive,” Blakeman told Fox News Digital. He criticized Hochul for raising taxes and utility rates, noting that the governor has increased utility rates 48 times and raised electricity costs 42 times, according to his statements.
Democratic Socialists gaining influence
The rally also highlighted the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in New York politics. Kaufman warned that the party is “rapidly becoming a house of hatred” that excludes moderate voices. He cited recent DSA‑backed victories, including the election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor of a New York city and DSA‑supported candidates winning congressional primaries.
Nationally, DSA‑aligned candidates have also made headlines, such as Melat Kiros defeating long‑time Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado and Janeese Lewis George securing the Democratic mayoral nomination in Washington, D.C.
Hochul’s office not immediately reached
Fox News Digital reached Governor Hochul’s office for comment, but a response was not obtained at the time of publication.
Implications for the November race
Blakeman’s strategy of courting disaffected Democrats reflects a broader Republican effort to broaden its base in traditionally blue states. By focusing on concrete issues like tax relief, utility costs, and neighborhood safety, the campaign hopes to attract voters who feel the Democratic Party has moved too far left for working‑class families.
As the New York gubernatorial race heads into its final weeks, both campaigns will likely intensify messaging around these economic and public‑safety concerns, making the Bronx a micro‑cosm of the larger ideological battle playing out across the state.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
