Blakeman calls Hochul Mamdani puppet at New York rally

Republican New York gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman labeled Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul a "puppet" of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a campaign rally in Yorktown Heights on Sunday. The current Nassau County executive accused his opponent of embracing the mayor's agenda while failing to address illegal immigration and crime in the state.

Blakeman cited Hochul's recent campaign appearances with Mamdani as evidence of her political alignment. According to the New York Post, Blakeman told the crowd, "Kathy Hochul, she was out campaigning with Mamdani this week," adding that he found the alliance noteworthy. He urged Hochul to "take him everywhere you go," characterizing Mamdani as an "un-American, antisemite, anti-Christian mayor" who he claimed is running the Democratic Party. Blakeman asserted that Hochul is "nothing more than his puppet."

The political alliance between the mayor and the governor, who is seeking reelection to a second full term, coincides with a broader shift in New York politics where democratic socialists have gained influence. Following Mamdani's victory in last year's mayoral election, candidates aligned with his movement secured major wins in congressional primaries this year, including the defeat of two Democratic incumbents.

Blakeman has consistently targeted Hochul and Mamdani over public safety concerns. During a recent stop on the city's subway system, he branded Hochul the most pro-criminal governor and charged both Democrats with neglecting commuter security. In response to Blakeman's attacks following a debate earlier this month, Mamdani accused the Republican candidate of bigotry and racism.

When asked about Hochul's performance during that debate, Mamdani told reporters that the governor did a good job. He added that he would never fault someone for being unable to catch all of Blakeman's comments, describing such an effort as a "fool's errand." Meanwhile, Hochul and Mamdani have emphasized affordability and child care during their joint campaigning, arguing their policies aim to lower costs for working families. Fox News Digital has reached out to the offices of both Hochul and Mamdani for comment.