(New York, NY) – Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman used a wide-ranging appearance in an interview on Sid & Friends in the Morning, Monday morning to sharply criticize New York’s Democratic leadership and position himself as a potential challenger in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Speaking with host Sid Rosenberg, Blakeman recounted attending the final Buffalo Bills game at the team’s longtime stadium, calling the atmosphere “religious” for fans and celebrating the construction of a new facility. But the conversation quickly turned political.
Blakeman accused Gov. Kathy Hochul of presiding over what he described as a decline in quality of life across the state, citing public safety concerns, economic stagnation, and rising dissatisfaction among residents. He said Hochul has failed to deliver prosperity, job growth, and safer communities, arguing New Yorkers are “miserable” under her leadership.
The Nassau County executive also defended President Donald Trump, praising recent actions against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and criticizing Hochul for condemning those moves. Blakeman argued that Maduro’s role in drug trafficking has directly harmed New York communities and said Hochul’s response was driven by political hostility toward Trump rather than concern for public safety.
Blakeman took aim at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, labeling him a “dangerous” figure with what he called anti-American and collectivist views. He warned that Mamdani’s policies could undermine the city’s economy and weaken law enforcement, pledging that, as governor, he would act as a check on City Hall if necessary.
While Blakeman said removing an elected mayor would be an extreme step, he emphasized that a governor has the authority to intervene if laws are not enforced, including deploying state police or taking control of city policing functions to ensure public safety.
Addressing the state of the Republican field, Blakeman said support has coalesced around his candidacy following Rep. Elise Stefanik’s decision not to run. He claimed growing backing not only from Republicans, but also from independents and “common sense Democrats” who he says are disillusioned with their party’s direction.
Blakeman closed by pitching himself as a law-and-order executive focused on making New York “the safest state in America,” pointing to Nassau County’s crime record as a model for the rest of the state.
