Hochul cruises to reelection

Four years after a lackluster, 6-point win in her first gubernatorial race, Gov. Kathy Hochul cruised to victory Tuesday night, with The Associated Press calling the race for the incumbent as soon as the polls closed at 9 p.m. Preliminary results show she bested Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman as Hochul and her lieutenant governor running mate Adrienne Adams, the former New York City Council speaker, also made history as the first all-women ticket to win statewide in New York.

“To you, the people of New York, thank you for once again putting your trust in me,” Hochul said to an enthusiastic crowd at the HIlton Midtown in Manhattan. “Serving as your governor has been the privilege of my lifetime, and I will never, ever, ever take your faith in me for granted.” She further spoke about the historic nature of the victory as New York will for the first time have women as both governor and lieutenant governor. “I hope out there’s a little girl who’s watching (and saying), ‘That could be me one day,’” Hochul said. “Because we have broken down the barriers once and for all.”

By the end of the night, Hochul maintained a roughly 20-point lead over Blakeman. She led 60%-40% with 92% of election districts reporting, according to preliminary results from the state Board of Elections. That’s a major improvement over her single-digit victory four years ago, and a significant mandate for a second term.

With President Donald Trump in the White House and Republicans in control of Congress – helping to form a “blue wave” – Hochul had far more favorable headwinds than her first election in the 2022 midterms. Throughout her general election campaign, Hochul repeatedly sought to tie Blakeman to Trump, who is deeply unpopular both in New York and across the country. 

Blakeman conceded victory Tuesday night, thanking party attendees for their support shortly after calling Hochul. You win some, you lose some. The fact of the matter is that now we pull together, we move forward. We have the best interests of the people in our heart,” Blakeman said. Hochul said Blakeman called her as well, and she committed to continue working with him in his capacity as Nassau County executive to continue serving the people of Nassau.

Trump has called Blakeman “100% MAGA,” and “MAGA all the way,” including on the eve of the election, and stumped for the Republican candidate upstate just a month before Election Day. Blakeman has leaned into his friendship with Trump and has adopted a rhetorical style that seems heavily influenced by the president. But aside from the late rally, Blakeman has sought to distance himself from the president in the final weeks, emphasizing endorsements from Democrats and moderates and highlighting areas of difference with Trump.

Hochul made sure to take aim at Trump in her victory speech as well. Last month, the president rallied for Blakeman upstate where he told attendees to pretend that he was on the ballot. “Well Mr. President, you got your wish,” Hochul said Tuesday night.The governor reiterated her willingness to work with Trump to deliver for New York. “But if your actions threaten our rights, or put New Yorkers at risk, I will stand up and fight you every single time,” she said.

Hochul made a point during the final weeks of the election to get on the trail with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He stumped both weekends of early voting with the governor, who needed strong turnout from young progressives who backed Mamdani to boost her margins in blue New York City and bolster her numbers even if she lost other areas like the suburbs. Mamdani also appeared in campaign videos on social media for Hochul. And in a last-minute joint appearance, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hit a sports bar in her district with the governor to watch a Bills game and talk to voters the Sunday before Election Day.

Mamdani addressed Democrats gathered at the Hilton the right before polls closed, praising the governor and their partnership. Hochul also gave the mayor a shoutout in her victory speech. “Thank you for standing with me and bringing a whole new energy to New York City,” she said.

During her first election in 2022, Hochul received criticism for her reliance on out-of-state advisers, running heavily on reproductive rights in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade as Republicans hammered her on public safety. This year, crime as a campaign issue resonated less with voters as affordability took center stage. 

As for the rest of the ballot, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli declared victory over Republican Joseph Hernandez for will be his fifth full term. “I’ve been through a few races over the years, and let me tell you, it’s a big difference when it’s not just a personal victory,” he said. “The whole team is winning tonight.” DiNapoli added that Democrats “have been given an incredible mandate” in New York.

State Attorney General Letitia James similarly declared victory over her Republican challenger Saritha Komatireddy for a third term. “It’s been the honor of my life to serve as attorney general, and I will be forever grateful every moment I’m here to serve and defend the interests of New York,” she said.