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Hochul, Blakeman clash over immigration, economy in New York governor's race debate

The candidates used the only scheduled matchup to press their cases on costs, immigration and Trump, with polls showing Hochul ahead by 9 to 12 points.

  • On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman held their only scheduled gubernatorial debate, a one-hour forum on Spectrum News NY1 featuring heated exchanges on immigration, affordability and President Trump.
  • A recent ICE shooting in the Bronx prompted a sharp clash over immigration policy, with Blakeman blaming Hochul's sanctuary status while she countered that he refused to condemn agents firing into a vehicle with a 5-year-old inside.
  • Hochul repeatedly linked Blakeman to President Donald Trump, while the challenger attacked her alignment with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani; Blakeman's campaign reported just $178,000 in available funds for the final stretch.
  • Marist pollster Lee Miringoff said the debate's primary value lies in boosting voter motivation, as recent polls show Hochul leading 53% to Blakeman's 42% with early voting beginning October 24.
  • Blakeman used the forum to attempt a late momentum shift before the November 3 general election, facing steep odds as he seeks to overcome Hochul's comfortable polling lead in the final three weeks.
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Felix Victorino broke the news on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
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