NEW YORK (WABC)– Gov. Kathy Hochul won re-election Tuesday, defeating Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman by about 20 points and securing a second full term as governor of New York.
Hochul, the state’s first female governor, had her biggest margins in New York, capturing about 75 percent of the vote while holding Blakeman below 25 percent. The Democratic incumbent spent much of the campaign focusing on New York City voters, making appearances alongside Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in precincts where Democrats hoped to increase turnout. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, has focused his efforts on suburban counties and more moderate parts of the state.
Both candidates spent election night awaiting the results with their supporters. Hochul celebrated at a victory party in Midtown, while Blakeman gathered with supporters in Nassau County before later conceding the race.
“Serving you has taught me that leadership isn’t just about having the courage to make tough decisions…it’s also about having the humility to get through it all and I answer to you, the people of New York!” Hochul said during his victory speech.
Blakeman struck a conciliatory tone in his concession remarks.
“I just called Governor Hochul. I told her she ran a great race…now we all need to come together to make this great state of New York better,” he said.
This result also marks a historic moment for New York government. Hochul will remain the state’s first female governor, while Adrienne Adams is expected to serve as lieutenant governor, creating New York State’s first all-female executive team.
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