ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican Challenger Bruce Blakeman will face off at 7 p.m. on Tuesday for the first and only debate before the November 3 election.

The hour-long debate held by Spectrum News will likely explore a variety of topics flooding campaign ads, including crime, immigration, energy affordability, and the economy.


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The stakes are high for both candidates—it’s a chance for Gov. Hochul to make her case for why she should serve a second full term as governor, and it’s significant for Nassau County Executive Blakeman, who will have to convince voters why they should elect a Republican governor for the first time in 25 years.

“I feel very good about tonight,” said New York State Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs. “You’re going to be able to see Kathy Hochul talking about her record and what she’s done and what she hopes to do for the people of New York.”

Republicans, including Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh and former Congressman John Faso, are urging Blakeman to focus on state issues.

“I think what he has to do is focus on energy affordability,” Faso said. “The other issue is going to be taxes. We lead the nation in high taxes, whether it’s income, property, or sales taxes.”


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Blakeman has aligned himself with President Trump, who endorsed him last December. Some voters at a Blakeman and Trump rally in Syracuse Friday expressed concern that the president’s low approval rating could hurt Blakeman’s chances for governor.

“His connections and ties with the president may hurt him with some people who probably would not be supporting him anyway,” Walsh said.

Democrats, including Governor Hochul, have sought to highlight Trump and Blakeman’s relationship, painting Blakeman as a MAGA ally taking marching orders.

“I think that he is playing the role of the candidate, which is really auditioning for a job in the Trump Administration,” Jacobs said. “That’s what he wants. He knows he’s not going to win this election.”

The debate comes exactly three weeks before Election Day.

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