Hochul, Blakeman Set To Face Off In Single Gubernatorial Debate Tuesday

NEW YORK — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and her Republican challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, are set to face off Tuesday night in their only televised debate before Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Hochul has reportedly said that she will speak about her record as incumbent.

"From expanding child care and lowering costs to making our communities safer, my focus has always been on delivering real results for New Yorkers," Hochul said on X Tuesday. "I'm proud of the progress we've made together but there’s more work to do. I'm ready to keep fighting for New York families."

Blakeman also spoke out on social media, stating on Facebook: "Tuesday, October 13, at 7 p.m., I’ll hold Kathy Hochul accountable for her failures. Lower taxes. Lower utility bills. Safer streets. That’s what I’m fighting for. Tune into the debate."

Issues the two are expected to address include public safety, affordability, ICE, and data centers; Hochul has also questioned Blakeman's ties to President Donald Trump, who has said, "Bruce is MAGA all the way."

Hochul said on YouTube: "Like a good puppet, my opponent Bruce Blakeman follows Trump’s MAGA playbook. He’s willing to deceive voters. And he doesn’t care about hurting New York families. New Yorkers deserve better."

Blakeman has blasted Hochul: "Kathy Hochul is the worst Governor in America. New Yorkers are tired of her tax hikes, rising costs, and failed leadership.As Governor, I will put New Yorkers first and make New York affordable."

According to a Marist poll on October 7, Hochul is in the lead against Blakeman, by double digits among registered voters, in New York’s race for governor.

Hochul, at 53 percent, leads Blakeman, at 42 percent, by 11 points among registered voters in New York’s gubernatorial contest, the Marist poll said.

How to Watch

The hour-long debate will be hosted by Spectrum News / NY1. According to Spectrum News the debate takes place at 7 p.m. in NY1’s Chelsea studios and will be co-moderated by Errol Louis and Susan Arbetter.

The debate will be shown on NY1 and Spectrum channels statewide and on their YouTube pages, according to the Gothamist.