Queens became a campaign battleground on Wednesday as the two leading contenders for New York governor made separate appearances within three miles of each other. Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman visited local stores near 90th Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, emphasizing public safety and the impact of shoplifting on small businesses.
“And what about these small business owners? No consequences for shoplifting. So, the shoplifting continues and continues and continues,” Blakeman said, urging voters to consider stricter enforcement.
Across town in Maspeth, Governor Kathy Hochul demonstrated a new subway gate designed to curb fare evasion, highlighting her administration’s efforts to protect transit revenue and improve rider experience.
A recent Marist poll of registered voters shows Hochul leading the race with 53% support, a solid 11‑point margin over Blakeman. The governor noted the significance of double‑digit leads in a “purple” state, saying, “Listen, in a purple state, being ahead by half a point or 1% is concerning. Double digits mean something.”
The same poll indicates Blakeman holds a 7‑point advantage among independents. He welcomed the crossover support, stating, “Another Democrat, each and every day comes up to me and says, ‘Bruce, I’m a lifelong Democrat I’ve never voted Republican in my life. We’re voting for you this year.'”
Local reactions
Jackson Heights residents expressed mixed opinions. “He’s our hope, he’s our hope,” resident Toni Diaz said of Blakeman. When asked whether Hochul had visited the neighborhood, Diaz replied, “she came here but she didn’t do anything.” Another resident offered a brief endorsement of the governor: “I like Hochul. She’s very good with working people.”
Governor Hochul also highlighted broader support, noting that Mayor Eric Adams and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez have offered assistance to her campaign.
Campaign dynamics
Blakeman warned that Mayor Zohran Mamdani campaigning alongside Hochul could diminish her statewide appeal. Hochul, in turn, suggested that support for Blakeman from President Donald Trump might hurt the Republican candidate’s prospects.
As the race tightens, both campaigns are focusing on voter turnout and expanding support beyond their core bases. The upcoming weeks will likely see additional stops across the borough as each side seeks to solidify its message with Queens voters.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
