Hochul, Blakeman address LI business leaders as 2026 governor race looms
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman never uttered one another's name when speaking to the more than 1,200 business and political leaders in attendance - but that didn't stop either one from unloading a few subtle jabs at the other.
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It is not uncommon for the governor of the state of New York and the county executive of Nassau to appear at the Long Island Association's annual "State of the Region" event.
It is uncommon for the two to be likely opponents in the race to lead the state.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman never uttered one another's name when speaking to the more than 1,200 business and political leaders in attendance - but that didn't stop either one from unloading a few subtle jabs at the other.
Blakeman (R- Atlantic Beach) spoke as part of a panel discussion, along Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R- Center Moriches) and New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli (D- Great Neck Plaza). The presumptive Republican nominee for governor drew laughs from the audience when answering a question from LIA CEO and panel moderator Matt Cohen.
"2026 is here. Can you give us 20 seconds each? What's there to look forward to?," Cohen asked.
"That's a very loaded question. I guess, a new governor?" Blakeman responded.
Nassau's county executive, who just began his second term in office after winning reelection in November, has been campaigning across the state.
"As I travel around the state, I have to tell you that there are regions of the state where people aren't very happy, they're miserable, they feel that the state government has let them down, they don't have economic development, there's no prosperity, there's no job creation and communities aren't safe," Blakeman said.
After the panel discussion ended, Cohen introduced Hochul, the governor who is seeking a second full term in office. The Democrat spoke about her efforts to address affordability and amend bail reform laws, while suggesting she backs the region's law enforcement officers more than Blakeman does.
"Just going to put this out there. I have faith in the Long Island police department. I have a great relationship with them. I find it undermining that you need a separate militia, to do something that they do anyhow. Or that you need to divert the resources to do ICE enforcement and not stopping shoplifters in your downtowns or catching speeders. Just an observation, folks," Hochul said.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer also addressed the crowd during the event.
The Long Island Association is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.
