In less than 24 hours, the Republican candidate for governor swapped out one upstate sheriff for another as his running mate. 

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman offered the job to Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino, causing an uproar among Republican leaders, so early Monday he tapped Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood instead. 

The move comes days before Blakeman is slated to become the state GOP’s official party designee, a position he can’t occupy without choosing a running mate under state law. 

What You Need To Know

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman offered the job to Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino, causing an uproar among Republican leaders, so early Monday he tapped Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood instead

The move comes days before Blakeman is slated to become the state GOP’s official party designee, a position he can’t occupy without choosing a running mate under state law

Under party law, Blakeman needed a lieutenant governor candidate to complete his combined ticket by Wednesday

“We talked about what the campaign would be like and how much time he would have to devote to it,” Blakeman explained to NY1 in an interview about what he thought was a done deal by Super Bowl Sunday.

“We pretty much had an understanding that he would be the guy. But of course, he wanted to think about it with all of his responsibilities that he has,” he said via a Zoom interview from Nassau County. “We came to a discussion last night where basically he said he’s going to take a pass on it. And I said, ‘No problem.’”

But Republican Party sources told NY1 Giardino raised eyebrows and alarm bells. 

The sheriff told NY1’s sister station he thinks his background check fell afoul of the vetting process.

“I submitted paperwork to be on the ballot in New Hampshire for the Republican primary for president,” he said, referring to paperwork he filed ahead of the 2020 general election. 

“I was not running against President [Donald] Trump. It was totally a lark and an independent thing,” he said, arguing it was also part of a “joke” among friends of his. 

“My first obligation is to the people of Fulton County. I decided it’s not right for me at this time,” he added. 

Under party law, Blakeman needed a lieutenant governor candidate to complete his combined ticket by Wednesday, the official end of the state Republican Party convention that started Monday in Garden City, Long Island. 

Blakeman instead called up the Madison County sheriff, Todd Hood, and offered him the role. 

“Todd Hood is the right guy. He’s the guy that I enthusiastically support,” he said. “The guy is terrific. He’s a New York hero. He has a very strong record in law enforcement. Comes from an important part of the state.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul poked fun at the flip-flop in a campaign email, reading: “NY GOP issuing thoughts & prayers for an LG pick who sticks with Blakeman longer than one Super Bowl.”

Meanwhile, Hochul was turned down by multiple top Democrats she wanted to be her running mate, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, before picking former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. 

Republican Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin slammed the new pick. He was also interviewed by Blakeman as his possible number two.

“It’s a bad look, and it’s an unforced error,” McLaughlin told NY1 in a Zoom interview. “Blakeman needs help in upstate. Madison County is pretty far out there. It’s the middle of the state.”

“I’m the right guy for the job,” he added.

Blakeman is trailing Hochul, according to recent polling from Siena University.  

“Kathy Hochul is the last person [who] should make fun of the lieutenant governor’s selection process. Think about this. Her first choice was indicted and had to resign in disgrace, and her second choice is now running against her for governor,” he said.