QUEENS, New York (WABC) — Queens became a campaign battleground Wednesday as Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman and Gov. Kathy Hochul made separate appearances less than 3 miles apart, each highlighting different issues as they seek support from voters ahead of the election.
Blakeman visited local stores near 90th Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, where he criticized Hochul’s approach to crime and its impact on small businesses.
“And what about these small business owners? No consequences for shoplifting. So, the shoplifting continues and continues and continues,” Blakeman said.
Meanwhile, Hochul appeared in Maspeth to demonstrate a new subway gate designed to combat fare evasion.
The appearances came as a recent Marist poll of registered voters showed Hochul leading the race with 53% support, 11 points ahead of Blakeman. Hochul said the margin was significant.
“Listen, in a purple state, being ahead by half a point or 1% is concerning. Double digits mean something,” Hochul said.
The poll also showed Blakeman leading among independents by 7 points. Blakeman said he is relying on support from independents and Democrats crossing party lines.
“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,'” Blakeman said.
In Jackson Heights, residents expressed differing views on the candidates.
“He’s our hope, he’s our hope,” resident Toni Diaz said of Blakeman.
When asked by Eyewitness News whether Hochul had visited the neighborhood, Diaz responded: “she came here but she didn’t do anything.”
Another resident voiced support for the governor.
“I like Hochul,” they said. “She’s very good with working people.”
Hochul said she welcomes support from Democrats across the political spectrum.
“The mayor has offered his help. Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez has offered her help,” Hochul said.
Blakeman told Eyewitness News that he believes Mayor Zohran Mamdani campaigning with Hochul could hurt her support statewide. Hochul, meanwhile, said support for Blakeman from President Donald Trump could hurt the Republican candidate.
With both campaigns making their case to voters in Queens, the focus now turns to turnout and whether either candidate can expand support beyond their political base. The answer, for now, remains to be seen.
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