Hochul and Blakeman Clash in Queens on Final Early Voting Day

The final day of early voting in New York has arrived, sharpening the focus on the state's gubernatorial contest.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman, spent the day campaigning in Queens. Hochul held events in Jamaica, while Blakeman rallied supporters in Middle Village. Both candidates aimed to build momentum in the closing days before ballots close.

Blakeman promoted specific economic proposals during his appearance. He pledged to eliminate state income taxes on the first $100,000 of income for joint filers. He also vowed to cut utility costs by 50%. The Nassau County executive accused Hochul of raising taxes, framing her tenure as a burden on working families.

Hochul countered by comparing Blakeman to President Donald Trump. She pointed to Albany's efforts to offset funding cuts from Washington, arguing that her administration has protected state resources. Recent polls show Hochul holding a double-digit lead, a statistic Blakeman has dismissed. He argued that the race is closer than surveys indicate.

"People are so energized to get out and vote," Hochul said. "And what I need is this is all about not just the top of the ticket, but everybody down ballot. And we have such important races on the line right now."

Blakeman urged his base to ignore the polling numbers. "We're right there, we are neck and neck, we can win this thing if people get out to vote," he said. "Remember, if good people don't vote, you get bad laws, and that's what we've got in this state."

Election Day is set for Nov. 3. Hochul was scheduled to campaign at a diner on Manhattan's Upper West Side after her morning events. Blakeman planned to attend a rally at a golf club in Northport, Suffolk County, later in the day.