Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman criticized New York’s Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul at a campaign event on the New York City subway. He labeled her the most “pro-criminal governor” while highlighting safety concerns on the city’s transit system. Blakeman stated, “I haven’t heard from anyone that the subways are safer; everyone feels less safe.”
Blakeman, a former Port Authority commissioner, was in the Democratic stronghold to emphasize his commitment to improving public safety. He proposed hiring more police and conductors, cleaning the subways, and providing help for those with mental health issues. He aimed his comments at both the governor and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, noting a rise in subway crime.
He argued that safety improvements, not congestion pricing, would increase public transportation use. He described the congestion tax as a middle-class burden. Blakeman criticized Democrats for decreasing the number of train conductors, which he linked to Hochul’s policies.
Blakeman highlighted the importance of police presence and improved lighting in subways. He also advocated for more conductors, emphasizing that their presence makes commuters feel safer. Hochul had vetoed a bill requiring conductors on more trains, citing cost and modernization concerns.
The candidate also accused Hochul of supporting policies that compromised safety, like cashless bail and the HALT Act, which restricts solitary confinement. He blamed her policies for the public’s decreased sense of security across New York. Blakeman’s comments came as part of his broader campaign strategy to challenge Democratic policies and promote his vision for a safer New York.
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