WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – New York’s gubernatorial candidates faced off in a debate Tuesday night hosted by Spectrum News1.
Current Gov. Kathy Hochul and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman met in New York City for their first and likely only televised face-off before next month’s midterm election. The two answered questions about President Trump, affordability, immigration and taxes.
“We’ve delivered the largest middle class rate cut in 70 years. That’s why we’ve delivered over $10 billion in energy rebates and inflation rebates and rebates to help people pay their bills,” Hochul said.
“Under Governor Hochul, we are the highest taxed state in America. Our utility bills are 70% higher than the national average, and because of policies like cashless bail, people feel unsafe in their own communities. As governor, I will cut taxes. I will cut your utility bills in half,” Blakeman said.
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The debate happened almost three weeks after a pair of polls showed differences in leads for Hochul. Siena’s poll had Hochul with a 9-point lead over Blakeman. One from Quinnipiac University showed a wider gap, with Hochul leading by 19 percentage points.
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