Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman traded barbs during the first and only New York gubernatorial debate, as both looked to associate their opponent to divisive leaders in their respective parties.⁠ ⁠ Hochul used some of her time to tie Blakeman to President Donald Trump, while Blakeman responded by connecting Hochul to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.⁠ ⁠ #politics #newyork #governor #election #decision2026