Blakeman targets income tax in final push against Hochul

Bruce Blakeman stood in Middle Village on Saturday and outlined a specific plan for New York families. He pledged to eliminate state income tax on the first $100,000 of income for joint filers. The Republican gubernatorial candidate also promised to reduce utility costs by 50%. These proposals formed the core of his message as he sought to define the final days of the campaign.

Blakeman directed his criticism at Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing her of avoiding questions about potential tax increases. He argued that her silence implied a plan to raise income, property, and wealth taxes. “That means she's going to raise income tax. She's going to raise property tax. She's going to institute a wealth tax, a death tax, tax, tax tax,” Blakeman said.

In Jamaica, Hochul campaigned alongside Attorney General Letitia James, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and Adrienne Adams, who is running for lieutenant governor. The Democratic team compared Blakeman to former President Donald Trump. They pointed to Albany's efforts to offset funding cuts from Washington as evidence of their financial strategy. Hochul rejected the idea that she would raise taxes to fund state programs.

“I can fund the programs that we want for healthcare and childcare and healthcare and continue the investments in infrastructure with the current budget that we have. I don't believe in raising taxes just for the sake of raising taxes,” Hochul said. She emphasized that the current budget allows for continued investment in key sectors without new levies.

The candidates disagreed on the state of the race. Some polls show Hochul holding a double-digit lead, but Blakeman disputed that assessment. He pointed to his campaign’s spending in the final week as evidence that the race is close. “Kathy Hochul wouldn't spend $7 million in the last seven days attacking me if it wasn't neck and neck. We're going to win this race because turnout is on our side,” Blakeman said.

Election Day is approaching, and both campaigns are focused on voter turnout. The contrasting messages from the two sides frame the final stretch of the gubernatorial race.