Bruce Blakeman vs. Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

• B.A. in political science and government, Arizona State University

  Sources (2)2 sourcesMeet Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Dan's Papers · July 7, 2024 · NewsCounty Executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Nassau County, New York · Government

• J.D., California Western School of Law

  Sources (2)2 sourcesMeet Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Dan's Papers · July 7, 2024 · NewsCounty Executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Nassau County, New York · Government

Kathy Hochul

• B.A., Syracuse University (1980)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesBiographical Directory of the U.S. Congress: HOCHUL, Kathleen C. ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Congress · ReferenceKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

• J.D., Catholic University, Washington, D.C. (1983)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesBiographical Directory of the U.S. Congress: HOCHUL, Kathleen C. ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Congress · ReferenceKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

Bruce Blakeman

• Attorney: partner in his father's Long Island law firm before joining the Hempstead Town Council in 1993; later a self-employed attorney

  Sources (3)3 sourcesHow a Long Island Republican used a mask rebellion to revive his career ↗ (opens in a new tab)The New York Times, via The Boston Globe · Feb. 10, 2022 · NewsGetting to know Councilman Bruce Blakeman ↗ (opens in a new tab)Herald Community Newspapers · Jan. 21, 2015 · NewsCounty Executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Nassau County, New York · Government

• Candidate for New York State comptroller (1998); lost to incumbent Comptroller H. Carl McCall

  Sources (2)2 sourcesEx-L.I. Pol to Seek GOP Nod for US Senate ↗ (opens in a new tab)Associated Press, via Long Island Press · Jan. 14, 2010 · NewsHow a Long Island Republican used a mask rebellion to revive his career ↗ (opens in a new tab)The New York Times, via The Boston Globe · Feb. 10, 2022 · News

• Candidate in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in New York (2010); lost the primary to former Rep. Joseph DioGuardi

  Sources (2)2 sourcesPrimary Day 2010: Results ↗ (opens in a new tab)CBS New York · Sept. 15, 2010 · NewsEx-L.I. Pol to Seek GOP Nod for US Senate ↗ (opens in a new tab)Associated Press, via Long Island Press · Jan. 14, 2010 · News

• Republican nominee for U.S. House in New York's 4th Congressional District (2014); lost to Kathleen Rice

  Sources (2)2 sourcesBruce Blakeman ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · ReferenceHow a Long Island Republican used a mask rebellion to revive his career ↗ (opens in a new tab)The New York Times, via The Boston Globe · Feb. 10, 2022 · News

• Executive director, New York Police Chiefs Benevolent Association

  SourceSourceCounty Executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Nassau County, New York · Government

Kathy Hochul

• Attorney in private practice

  Sources (2)2 sourcesBiographical Directory of the U.S. Congress: HOCHUL, Kathleen C. ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Congress · ReferenceKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

• Aide to U.S. Rep. John LaFalce of New York (1984–1986)

  Sources (2)2 sourcesBiographical Directory of the U.S. Congress: HOCHUL, Kathleen C. ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Congress · ReferenceKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

• Aide to U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York (1986–1988)

  Sources (3)3 sourcesBiographical Directory of the U.S. Congress: HOCHUL, Kathleen C. ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Congress · ReferenceKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · ReferenceAbout ↗ (opens in a new tab)Friends for Kathy Hochul · Campaign

• Deputy clerk, Erie County, New York (2003–2007)

  Sources (3)3 sourcesBiographical Directory of the U.S. Congress: HOCHUL, Kathleen C. ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Congress · ReferenceKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference‘Energizer Bunny’: How local politics made New York’s next governor ↗ (opens in a new tab)Politico, via Yahoo News · Aug. 23, 2021 · News

• Democratic nominee for U.S. House in New York's 27th Congressional District (2012); lost to Chris Collins

  Sources (2)2 sourcesKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · ReferenceBiographical Directory of the U.S. Congress: HOCHUL, Kathleen C. ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Congress · Reference

Bruce Blakeman

• Member, Hempstead Town Board (first appointed in 1993)

  1993–1995 · Elected

  Sources (3)3 sourcesHow a Long Island Republican used a mask rebellion to revive his career ↗ (opens in a new tab)The New York Times, via The Boston Globe · Feb. 10, 2022 · NewsGetting to know Councilman Bruce Blakeman ↗ (opens in a new tab)Herald Community Newspapers · Jan. 21, 2015 · NewsBlakeman to oppose Curran for Nassau County executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Herald Community Newspapers · March 15, 2021 · News

• Member, Nassau County Legislature

  1996–1999 · Elected

  Sources (3)3 sourcesHow a Long Island Republican used a mask rebellion to revive his career ↗ (opens in a new tab)The New York Times, via The Boston Globe · Feb. 10, 2022 · NewsBlakeman to oppose Curran for Nassau County executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Herald Community Newspapers · March 15, 2021 · NewsEx-L.I. Pol to Seek GOP Nod for US Senate ↗ (opens in a new tab)Associated Press, via Long Island Press · Jan. 14, 2010 · News

• Presiding Officer, Nassau County Legislature

  1996–1999 · Elected

  Sources (3)3 sourcesBlakeman to oppose Curran for Nassau County executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Herald Community Newspapers · March 15, 2021 · NewsHow a Long Island Republican used a mask rebellion to revive his career ↗ (opens in a new tab)The New York Times, via The Boston Globe · Feb. 10, 2022 · NewsEx-L.I. Pol to Seek GOP Nod for US Senate ↗ (opens in a new tab)Associated Press, via Long Island Press · Jan. 14, 2010 · News

• Commissioner, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

  2001–2009 · Appointed

  Sources (3)3 sourcesBlakeman to oppose Curran for Nassau County executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Herald Community Newspapers · March 15, 2021 · NewsCounty Executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Nassau County, New York · GovernmentEx-L.I. Pol to Seek GOP Nod for US Senate ↗ (opens in a new tab)Associated Press, via Long Island Press · Jan. 14, 2010 · News

• Member, Hempstead Town Board (3rd Council District; first appointed in 2015)

  2015–2021 · Elected

  Sources (4)4 sourcesCounty Executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Nassau County, New York · GovernmentGetting to know Councilman Bruce Blakeman ↗ (opens in a new tab)Herald Community Newspapers · Jan. 21, 2015 · NewsBlakeman for the Town 3rd C.D. ↗ (opens in a new tab)Herald Community Newspapers · Oct. 30, 2019 · NewsBlakeman to oppose Curran for Nassau County executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Herald Community Newspapers · March 15, 2021 · News

• Nassau County Executive

  2022–present · Elected

  Sources (3)3 sourcesCounty Executive ↗ (opens in a new tab)Nassau County, New York · GovernmentRepublicans Blakeman, Donnelly, Ferretti win Nassau County offices ↗ (opens in a new tab)WSHU Public Radio · Nov. 5, 2025 · NewsHow a Long Island Republican used a mask rebellion to revive his career ↗ (opens in a new tab)The New York Times, via The Boston Globe · Feb. 10, 2022 · News

Kathy Hochul

• Member, Hamburg Town Board, New York (first appointed in 1994)

  1994–2007 · Elected

  SourceSource‘Energizer Bunny’: How local politics made New York’s next governor ↗ (opens in a new tab)Politico, via Yahoo News · Aug. 23, 2021 · News

• Erie County Clerk (first appointed by Gov. Eliot Spitzer in 2007)

  2007–2011 · Elected

  Sources (4)4 sourcesBiographical Directory of the U.S. Congress: HOCHUL, Kathleen C. ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Congress · ReferenceKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference‘Energizer Bunny’: How local politics made New York’s next governor ↗ (opens in a new tab)Politico, via Yahoo News · Aug. 23, 2021 · NewsHochul Elected County Clerk, Other Races of Note ↗ (opens in a new tab)Buffalo Toronto Public Media · Nov. 7, 2007 · News

• U.S. Representative, New York's 26th Congressional District

  2011–2013 · Elected

  Sources (2)2 sourcesBiographical Directory of the U.S. Congress: HOCHUL, Kathleen C. ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Congress · ReferenceKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

• Lieutenant Governor of New York

  2015–2021 · Elected

  Sources (2)2 sourcesBiographical Directory of the U.S. Congress: HOCHUL, Kathleen C. ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Congress · ReferenceKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference

• Governor of New York (succeeded Andrew Cuomo in 2021; elected to a full term in 2022)

  2021–present · Elected

  Sources (3)3 sourcesKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · ReferenceBiographical Directory of the U.S. Congress: HOCHUL, Kathleen C. ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Congress · ReferenceKathy Hochul ↗ (opens in a new tab)National Governors Association · Reference

Bruce Blakeman

Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

No selected votes for this candidate

Kathy Hochul

• Budget Control Act of 2011 (S. 365, 112th Congress)

  Economy

  Set caps on discretionary spending for fiscal years 2012 through 2021, allowed the public debt limit to be raised in stages subject to congressional disapproval, and created a Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to reduce deficits by at least $1.5 trillion over 10 years, with automatic spending reductions if a committee bill achieving more than $1.2 trillion was not enacted by Jan. 15, 2012.

  Passed the House 269–161 on Aug. 1, 2011; signed into law Aug. 2, 2011 (Public Law 112-25).

  Sources (2)2 sourcesRoll Call 690: S. 365, Budget Control Act of 2011, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Aug. 1, 2011 · Legislative recordS.365 - Budget Control Act of 2011 (112th Congress) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Library of Congress (Congress.gov) · Legislative record
  Voted yes

  U.S. House · Aug. 1, 2011

  On Passage

  House roll call 690, 2011 ↗ (official record, opens in a new tab)SourceSourceRoll Call 690: S. 365, Budget Control Act of 2011, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Aug. 1, 2011 · Legislative record

• Repeal of Obamacare Act (H.R. 6079, 112th Congress)

  Healthcare

  Would have repealed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, restoring the provisions of law they amended.

  Passed the House 244–185 on July 11, 2012; placed on the Senate calendar July 16, 2012, and did not become law.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesRoll Call 460: H.R. 6079, Repeal of Obamacare Act, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · July 11, 2012 · Legislative recordH.R.6079 - Repeal of Obamacare Act (112th Congress) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Library of Congress (Congress.gov) · Legislative record
  Voted no

  U.S. House · July 11, 2012

  On Passage

  House roll call 460, 2012 ↗ (official record, opens in a new tab)SourceSourceRoll Call 460: H.R. 6079, Repeal of Obamacare Act, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · July 11, 2012 · Legislative record

• Protect Life Act (H.R. 358, 112th Congress)

  Abortion

  Would have amended the Affordable Care Act to prohibit federal funds from covering any part of the costs of a health plan that includes abortion coverage; required plans offered through an exchange that cover abortion to also offer an otherwise identical plan that does not; barred federal agencies, and state and local governments receiving federal assistance under the law, from requiring health plans to discriminate against health care entities that refuse to undergo, require, provide or refer for training in induced abortions; and created a federal cause of action for violations of the law's abortion provisions.

  Passed the House 251–172 on Oct. 13, 2011; referred to the Senate Finance Committee Oct. 17, 2011, and did not become law.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesRoll Call 789: H.R. 358, Protect Life Act, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Oct. 13, 2011 · Legislative recordH.R.358 - Protect Life Act (112th Congress) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Library of Congress (Congress.gov) · Legislative record
  Voted no

  U.S. House · Oct. 13, 2011

  On Passage

  House roll call 789, 2011 ↗ (official record, opens in a new tab)SourceSourceRoll Call 789: H.R. 358, Protect Life Act, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Oct. 13, 2011 · Legislative record

• North American-Made Energy Security Act (H.R. 1938, 112th Congress)

  Energy

  Would have directed the president to coordinate federal agencies' review of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, from Alberta to the U.S. Gulf Coast, on an expedited schedule and to issue a final order granting or denying its presidential permit by Nov. 1, 2011.

  Passed the House 279–147 on July 26, 2011; placed on the Senate calendar July 28, 2011, and did not become law.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesRoll Call 650: H.R. 1938, North American-Made Energy Security Act, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · July 26, 2011 · Legislative recordH.R.1938 - North American-Made Energy Security Act (112th Congress) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Library of Congress (Congress.gov) · Legislative record
  Voted yes

  U.S. House · July 26, 2011

  On Passage

  House roll call 650, 2011 ↗ (official record, opens in a new tab)SourceSourceRoll Call 650: H.R. 1938, North American-Made Energy Security Act, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · July 26, 2011 · Legislative record

• STEM Jobs Act of 2012 (H.R. 6429, 112th Congress)

  Immigration

  Would have made up to 55,000 immigrant visas a year available to foreign graduates of U.S. doctoral and certain master's programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, eliminated the diversity immigrant visa program, and let spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents wait in the United States for their immigrant visas after a year on the waiting list.

  Passed the House 245–139 on Nov. 30, 2012; placed on the Senate calendar Dec. 4, 2012, and did not become law.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesRoll Call 613: H.R. 6429, STEM Jobs Act of 2012, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Nov. 30, 2012 · Legislative recordH.R.6429 - STEM Jobs Act of 2012 (112th Congress) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Library of Congress (Congress.gov) · Legislative record
  Voted yes

  U.S. House · Nov. 30, 2012

  On Passage

  House roll call 613, 2012 ↗ (official record, opens in a new tab)SourceSourceRoll Call 613: H.R. 6429, STEM Jobs Act of 2012, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Nov. 30, 2012 · Legislative record

• National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 (H.R. 822, 112th Congress)

  Public safety

  Would have allowed a person with a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm issued by one state, valid government-issued photo identification and no federal prohibition on possessing firearms to carry a concealed handgun in another state, subject to that state's restrictions.

  Passed the House 272–154 on Nov. 16, 2011; referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee Nov. 17, 2011, and did not become law.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesRoll Call 852: H.R. 822, National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Nov. 16, 2011 · Legislative recordH.R.822 - National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 (112th Congress) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Library of Congress (Congress.gov) · Legislative record
  Voted yes

  U.S. House · Nov. 16, 2011

  On Passage

  House roll call 852, 2011 ↗ (official record, opens in a new tab)SourceSourceRoll Call 852: H.R. 822, National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011, On Passage ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives · Nov. 16, 2011 · Legislative record

Bruce Blakeman

• County property tax held flat

  OutcomeDocumentedDec. 2025

  Nassau's budgeted county property tax was $755 million in every fiscal year from 2022 through 2026, according to the county's 2026 budget summary. His fourth budget, for 2026, kept it unchanged while funding two police academy classes of 100 recruits each and two correction officer classes.

  Sources (2)2 sources2026 NIFA Approved Budget: Summary of Fiscal 2026 ↗ (opens in a new tab)Nassau County Office of Management and Budget · Dec. 2025 · GovernmentNassau Exec Bruce Blakeman submits $4.2B county budget — featuring no tax hike and more cops ↗ (opens in a new tab)New York Post, via AOL · Sept. 15, 2025 · News

• Agreements with ICE

  Executive actionDocumentedAug. 26, 2026

  Announced on Feb. 4, 2025, that county law enforcement would work with ICE. The sheriff's office signed a 287(g) warrant service officer agreement on Feb. 28, 2025, and the police department a task force agreement on March 10, 2025. In February 2026 a state judge dismissed a challenge to the police agreement brought by the NYCLU and other groups, finding they lacked standing. Nassau ended both agreements effective Aug. 25, 2026, under the state's new Local Cops, Local Crimes Act; Blakeman opposed the law, said the county would comply, and said he had directed the acting sheriff to join a federal suit by 15 other sheriffs challenging it.

  Sources (3)3 sourcesNassau enters controversial ‘task force’ agreement with ICE ↗ (opens in a new tab)City & State New York · March 17, 2025 · NewsNCPD-ICE Agreement Deemed Legal By Judge ↗ (opens in a new tab)Patch · Feb. 20, 2026 · NewsNassau ends ICE partnership, Blakeman calls it ‘saddest day’ ↗ (opens in a new tab)Long Island Press · Aug. 27, 2026 · News

• Restrictions on transgender athletes at county facilities

  Legal proceedingDocumentedOct. 8, 2025

  Signed Executive Order 2-2024 on Feb. 22, 2024, barring county parks permits for women's and girls' teams and events that include transgender women and girls. A federal lawsuit he filed against Attorney General Letitia James, who had demanded he rescind the order, was dismissed, and on May 10, 2024, a state judge struck down the order in a suit brought by the NYCLU for the Long Island Roller Rebels, ruling he lacked authority to issue it. The county Legislature passed the ban as a local law on June 24, 2024; on July 15, 2024, the day he signed it, the NYCLU and Attorney General James filed separate suits against the county and Blakeman. A state trial judge upheld the law on Oct. 6, 2025, and on Oct. 8, 2025, a state appeals court barred the county from enforcing it while the league's challenge proceeds. Bloomberg Law reported in September 2026 that both challenges were continuing.

  Sources (6)6 sourcesExecutive Order Number 2-2024 (An Executive Order for Fairness for Women and Girls in Sports) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Nassau County, NY · Feb. 22, 2024 · GovernmentOrder banning transgender athletes from female sports at Nassau County facilities struck down by judge ↗ (opens in a new tab)CBS New York · May 10, 2024 · NewsIn New York, a constitutional amendment provides election fodder for the left and the right ↗ (opens in a new tab)Associated Press, via KSAT · Oct. 19, 2024 · NewsJudge halts New York county from enforcing trans athlete ban after roller derby league sues ↗ (opens in a new tab)Associated Press, via NBC News · Oct. 9, 2025 · NewsAttorney General James Sues Nassau County Over Discriminatory Law Banning Transgender Women from Participating in Women’s Sports at County Parks and Facilities ↗ (opens in a new tab)Office of the New York State Attorney General · July 15, 2024 · GovernmentNY Roller Derby League Moves to Jam Blakeman Transgender Ban ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bloomberg Law · Sept. 15, 2026 · News

• Lawsuit over special deputy sheriffs program

  Legal proceedingDocumentedOct. 7, 2025

  In February 2025, Democratic county legislators Debra Mulé and Scott Davis sued Blakeman, the county and Sheriff Anthony LaRocco in state court, arguing that the provisional special deputy program he created in 2024, which deputizes licensed civilian gun owners for use in emergencies, is illegal and wastes public funds. A judge denied a motion to dismiss on Oct. 7, 2025; the defense filed a second motion to dismiss on Feb. 2, 2026, which the legislators opposed in March 2026. Blakeman has called the suit frivolous and says the deputies passed background checks and were trained in criminal law and firearms.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesDemocrats sue Nassau County executive over armed volunteer unit they say amounts to an illegal militia ↗ (opens in a new tab)Associated Press, via Spectrum News NY1 · Feb. 5, 2025 · NewsAttorneys For Blakeman And County Legislators Trade Barbs Over Civilian Deputy Program ↗ (opens in a new tab)Patch · March 5, 2026 · News

• Mask Transparency Act

  LegislationDocumentedSept. 25, 2024

  Signed on Aug. 14, 2024, a county law sponsored by Legislator Mazi Pilip that makes it a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, to wear a mask to conceal one's identity in public, with exceptions for medical and religious reasons. On Sept. 25, 2024, a federal judge dismissed a class-action challenge filed by Disability Rights New York, ruling the plaintiffs lacked standing because the law exempts masks worn for health reasons.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesCounty Executive Bruce Blakeman signs Nassau County's controversial mask ban into law, victims of crime join him at the signing ↗ (opens in a new tab)ABC7 New York · Aug. 14, 2024 · NewsFederal lawsuit challenging mask ban in suburban New York county dismissed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Associated Press, via KVIA · Sept. 25, 2024 · News

• Executive order on state mask mandates

  Executive actionDocumentedJan. 6, 2022

  Days after taking office, signed Executive Order 1-2022 directing county agencies to stop enforcing state mask mandates and directives and directing every Nassau board of education to vote that month on whether parents and children should be granted "the constitutional right to reject mask mandates while in the classroom". The state lifted its school mask mandate effective March 2, 2022.

  Sources (3)3 sourcesExecutive Order Number 1-2022 (Protecting Fundamental Rights of all Parents to Make Health and Education Decisions for their Children) ↗ (opens in a new tab)Nassau County, NY · Jan. 6, 2022 · GovernmentHow a Long Island Republican used a mask rebellion to revive his career ↗ (opens in a new tab)The New York Times, via The Boston Globe · Feb. 10, 2022 · NewsHochul announces lifting of school mask mandate, effective March 2 ↗ (opens in a new tab)Spectrum News NY1 · Feb. 27, 2022 · News

Kathy Hochul

• Concealed Carry Improvement Act

  LegislationDocumentedApril 7, 2025

  Signed a package of gun laws (S.51001/A.41001), known as the Concealed Carry Improvement Act, on July 1, 2022, a week after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen struck down the state's "proper cause" requirement for concealed-carry licenses. It added firearm training and other requirements for carry permits, made carrying a concealed weapon in designated sensitive locations (including public transit, airports, Times Square, courthouses, and bars and restaurants that serve alcohol) a crime, made "no carry" the default on private property unless the owner allows it, and took effect Sept. 1, 2022. In a challenge to the law (Antonyuk), a federal district court ruled in 2022 that Hochul was not a proper defendant. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in December 2023 and again on Oct. 24, 2024, after the Supreme Court sent the case back for reconsideration, upheld most of the challenged provisions but left in place injunctions against the requirement that permit applicants disclose their social media accounts and against the no-carry default on private property open to the public. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case on April 7, 2025.

  Sources (4)4 sourcesGov. Hochul signs law restricting the carrying of handguns in sensitive locations ↗ (opens in a new tab)Mass Transit · July 5, 2022 · NewsNY restricts concealed carry weapons at ‘sensitive locations’ after Supreme Court decision ↗ (opens in a new tab)Orleans Hub · July 2, 2022 · NewsAntonyuk v. James, Nos. 22-2908(L), 22-2972(Con) (2d Cir. Oct. 24, 2024) ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, via Courthouse News Service · Oct. 24, 2024 · Court recordDocket No. 24-795: Ivan Antonyuk, et al., Petitioners ↗ (opens in a new tab)Supreme Court of the United States · April 7, 2025 · Court record

• Congestion pricing pause and launch

  Executive actionDocumentedNov. 18, 2024

  Paused Manhattan's congestion pricing program indefinitely in June 2024, citing its financial burden on New Yorkers, then lifted the pause on Nov. 18, 2024, with the peak toll lowered to $9 from the original $15. Tolling for vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street began Jan. 5, 2025; the Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported $467.9 million in net revenue in the program's first 10 months.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesIT’S ON: NYC opens first-in-the-nation congestion pricing toll program in Manhattan ↗ (opens in a new tab)amNewYork · Jan. 5, 2025 · NewsNYC’s Congestion Toll Pulls in $468 Million Through October ↗ (opens in a new tab)Bloomberg Law · Nov. 18, 2025 · News

• Response to the correction officers' strike

  Executive actionDocumentedMarch 10, 2025

  After correction officers began an unsanctioned strike at state prisons on Feb. 17, 2025, in violation of a state law barring strikes by most public employees, deployed the National Guard to keep prisons operating. On March 10, 2025, the state fired more than 2,000 officers who had not returned by a deadline, and the corrections commissioner declared the 22-day strike over. City & State reported in October 2026 that the cost of National Guard members staffing prisons had passed $1 billion. The deal offered to end the strike included a 90-day suspension of a provision of the state law limiting solitary confinement.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesNew York fires 2,000 prison guards who refuse to return to work after wildcat strike ↗ (opens in a new tab)NBC News · March 10, 2025 · News5 moments that defined the gubernatorial debate ↗ (opens in a new tab)City & State New York · Oct. 13, 2026 · News

• Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline approval

  Executive actionDocumented2025

  Her administration approved the Northeast Supply Enhancement natural gas pipeline, which will carry gas from Pennsylvania through New Jersey to New York, in 2025 after state regulators had repeatedly denied permits for it; New York Focus reported that the approval followed talks with President Donald Trump. Construction began in April 2026.

  Sources (2)2 sourcesState Legislature votes to roll back NY’s landmark climate law ↗ (opens in a new tab)Gothamist, via WAMC · May 26, 2026 · NewsOn Energy and Climate, Hochul Goes Nuclear: State of the State 2026 ↗ (opens in a new tab)New York Focus · Jan. 14, 2026 · News

• Justice Department and sheriffs' suits over state immigration laws

  Legal proceedingDocumentedOct. 2, 2026

  The U.S. Justice Department has sued New York, Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, in their official capacities, over three state laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Its 2025 suits over the Green Light Law, which lets people get driver's licenses regardless of immigration status and generally bars sharing motor-vehicle records with federal immigration agencies, and over the Protect Our Courts Act, which bars civil immigration arrests of people going to or from state court without a judge-signed warrant, were dismissed on Dec. 23 and Nov. 17, 2025; the department has appealed both. On June 22, 2026, it sued over the immigration measures in her fiscal 2027 budget, arguing that the bans on officers' face coverings and on 287(g) agreements violate the Supremacy Clause; the state filed its own suit the same day to let the law take effect. On Aug. 3, 2026, U.S. District Judge Mae D'Agostino preliminarily blocked the law's face-covering and identification provisions but not the 287(g) ban, which took effect Aug. 25; the department appealed that ruling on Oct. 2, 2026. Fifteen county sheriffs sued Hochul, James and the state over the 287(g) ban on Aug. 25, 2026; their request for a preliminary injunction had not been decided as of Oct. 20, 2026.

  Sources (13)13 sourcesJustice Department Files Complaint Challenging New York Mask Ban and Identification Requirements for Federal Officers ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Department of Justice · June 23, 2026 · GovernmentUnited States v. State of New York (United States v. Russo), No. 1:26-cv-01360 (N.D.N.Y.), docket ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, via CourtListener · June 22, 2026 · Court recordTrump administration challenges NY's new immigration law in court ↗ (opens in a new tab)Gothamist, via WAMC · June 23, 2026 · NewsFederal judge blocks New York law preventing ICE agents from wearing masks ↗ (opens in a new tab)The National Desk, via KATV · Aug. 5, 2026 · NewsFederal judge rules against NYS mask ban for ICE agents ↗ (opens in a new tab)News 12 · Aug. 4, 2026 · NewsComplaint, United States v. State of New York, et al., No. 1:25-cv-0205 (N.D.N.Y.) ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Department of Justice · Feb. 12, 2025 · Court recordUnited States v. State of New York, No. 1:25-cv-00205 (N.D.N.Y.), docket ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, via CourtListener · Feb. 12, 2025 · Court recordJudge dismisses DOJ lawsuit against N.Y. 'Green Light Law' ↗ (opens in a new tab)Spectrum News · Dec. 23, 2025 · NewsComplaint, United States v. State of New York, et al. (N.D.N.Y.), Protect Our Courts Act ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Department of Justice · June 12, 2025 · Court recordUnited States v. State of New York, No. 1:25-cv-00744 (N.D.N.Y.), docket ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, via CourtListener · June 12, 2025 · Court recordJudge tosses DoJ lawsuit challenging a New York law barring immigration agents from state courts ↗ (opens in a new tab)Associated Press, via WCAX · Nov. 18, 2025 · NewsBourgault v. Hochul, No. 1:26-cv-01637 (N.D.N.Y.), docket ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, via CourtListener · Aug. 25, 2026 · Court recordNew York sheriffs sue Hochul over ban on ICE agreements ↗ (opens in a new tab)The Center Square · Aug. 26, 2026 · News

• Climate Change Superfund Act lawsuit

  Legal proceedingDocumentedSept. 25, 2026

  Signed the Climate Change Superfund Act in 2024, which sought to require fossil fuel companies to pay $3 billion a year for 25 years toward the costs of climate change. On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Justice Department sued New York, Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, among others, over the law. On Sept. 23, 2026, U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel granted the department summary judgment, holding that the law is preempted by the Clean Air Act and by federal foreign-affairs authority; the court declared it unconstitutional and permanently barred the defendants from enforcing it, and judgment was entered Sept. 25. In August 2026, in a separate challenge by Republican-led states and fossil fuel trade associations, Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes had also ruled that the law is preempted by federal law.

  Sources (3)3 sourcesUnited States v. State of New York, No. 1:25-cv-03656 (S.D.N.Y.), docket ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, via CourtListener · May 1, 2025 · Court recordAnother Federal Judge Strikes Down New York’s Climate Superfund Law as Unconstitutional ↗ (opens in a new tab)U.S. Department of Justice · Sept. 28, 2026 · GovernmentFederal judge strikes down NY law penalizing fossil fuel companies for climate change ↗ (opens in a new tab)The National Desk, via WJLA · Sept. 1, 2026 · News

Bruce Blakeman

• Taxes and utility bills

  “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

• Differences with President Trump on abortion and immigration

  “I have very significant policy differences with President Trump. He's pro-life. I'm pro-choice. I believe in a guest worker program for immigrants. He isn't there yet

• Local cooperation with ICE

  “If you cooperate with federal law enforcement, it makes for a safer community

• Medicaid spending

  “I’m running for Governor to protect patients and taxpayers by eliminating the fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicaid that costs billions of dollars every year and drives up the cost of living in New York

Kathy Hochul

• Tax cuts and rebates

  “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

• Gun crime and retail theft

  “When I became governor, it was gun crime that was skyrocketing, we tackled that. Retail theft— I gave millions of dollars to our district attorneys to change the laws and give them what they need to be able to reduce those crimes

• State limits on federal immigration enforcement

  “A badge carries with it a responsibility to uphold the public’s trust. New Yorkers deserve to know who is enforcing the law in their communities and have the assurance that local resources are being deployed to protect public safety, not to intimidate or advance the agenda of a rogue federal agency

• Extradition of a New York abortion provider

  “Never, under any circumstances, will I sign an extradition agreement that sends our doctor into harm’s way to be prosecuted as a criminal for simply following her oath