Blakeman Warns Hochul Will Raise Taxes for Mamdani Agenda

Bruce Blakeman, the Republican Nassau County executive challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul, released a closing 30-second digital ad claiming Hochul will raise New Yorkers' taxes by billions of dollars after Election Day to advance Mayor Zohran Mamdani's agenda, according to the New York Post. The ad labels the plan a "socialist agenda" and tells viewers only a vote for Blakeman can stop it, the Post reported. Hochul is the Democratic incumbent seeking reelection Nov. 3, according to the outlet.

What does the ad say about Hochul's record?

The ad's narrator says Hochul "made New York unaffordable — taxing paychecks, toll and fare hikes. The nation's highest taxes," according to the Post. The spot claims Hochul is working with Mamdani on hikes to income taxes, property taxes and taxes on farms and small businesses, and would cut the inheritance tax exemption in half, the Post reported. The ad also claims the plan pairs those increases with new spending "for illegals," per the outlet.

Why does the ad link Hochul to Mamdani?

Mamdani is the mayor of New York City. The ad accuses Hochul of planning the tax increases "with Mamdani" to fund his agenda, the Post reported. Earlier this year, Hochul authorized a new tax on luxury second homes in New York City to help cover Mamdani's city budget, according to the outlet. Blakeman's campaign cites that levy as evidence of coordination between the two Democrats.

Has Hochul said she will raise income taxes?

No. Hochul said during the campaign's only debate, held Oct. 14, that she would not raise state income taxes, the Post reported. She has also said her administration cut income taxes for middle-class New Yorkers to the lowest rate in decades, according to the Post.

What tax and toll moves has Hochul already made?

Hochul twice raised the payroll tax on corporations in the New York City region to fund mass transit, the Post reported. She backed the $9 congestion pricing toll to enter Midtown Manhattan, also to fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, according to the outlet.

What is Blakeman's own tax plan?

Blakeman has pledged to eliminate state income taxes on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for married couples if elected, according to the Post. He has priced the plan at $34 billion and said economic growth and cuts to funding for illegal immigrants would cover the cost, the Post reported.

What to watch before Nov. 3

Here is what remains unresolved heading into Election Day:

• Whether Hochul's campaign answers the ad's specific tax claims before polls open.
• Whether Mamdani's office responds to Blakeman's characterization of coordination with Hochul.
• Turnout in Nassau and Suffolk counties, the base of Blakeman's county government.
• Any further closing ads from either campaign in the race's final week.