Hochul, Blakeman clash over ICE, Trump in final NY gubernatorial debate

Key points

• The debate took place on October 13, 2026, in New York City, serving as the only face-to-face clash before the November 3 election.
• Hochul repeatedly labeled Blakeman the 'president of the fan club for Donald Trump,' linking his positions to rising energy prices and inflation.
• Blakeman defended his cooperation with ICE, citing the removal of over 2,000 migrants with criminal records from Nassau County, while Hochul condemned the agency’s actions as out of control.
• The candidates disagreed on data centers; Hochul highlighted new state restrictions, while Blakeman argued for local control, particularly in upstate New York.
• Blakeman criticized Hochul’s relationship with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling the mayor an 'antisemite,' a claim Hochul did not directly rebut in the reported exchanges.
• Moderators struggled to maintain order as the candidates frequently interrupted one another, with the debate lasting approximately one hour.

Background

Prior to the debate, polls showed Hochul with a lead that had narrowed from double digits to approximately 3 points in recent surveys, with Blakeman gaining ground among independents and suburban voters. President Trump had recently held a rally in Syracuse to support Blakeman, promising federal backing for his proposals. Hochul had previously faced criticism for her 2022 campaign performance but has since strengthened her coalition with NYC progressives and forged a partnership with Mayor Mamdani. Blakeman, a two-term Nassau County executive, aims to replicate the strategy of his 2022 opponent, Lee Zeldin, by focusing on Long Island and upstate areas.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Daily News emphasized the heated tone and Hochul’s defensive posture, noting Blakeman’s success in putting her on the back foot. Politico highlighted the central role of President Trump in the debate, framing it as a choice between a staunch Trump ally and an incumbent with a five-year record. Fox News focused on the immigration and ICE controversy, quoting Blakeman’s defense of federal cooperation and Hochul’s condemnation of the agency’s tactics. Spectrum News NY1 provided the full video of the debate, confirming the format and timing but offering less analytical commentary. All sources agreed on the core issues of immigration, economics, and Trump’s influence, but differed in emphasis: Fox News highlighted Blakeman’s immigration arguments, while Politico and the Daily News focused on Hochul’s attacks on Blakeman’s loyalty to Trump.

Why it matters

The debate was the final major public forum before the November 3 election, with early voting beginning in New York City on October 24. Given the narrowing polling gap, the debate’s outcome could influence undecided voters in suburban and upstate areas, where Blakeman has gained traction. The issues of immigration, energy costs, and data centers are central to voter concerns in New York, and the candidates’ positions may shape the final weeks of the campaign. Hochul’s ability to maintain her lead while Blakeman’s strategy to energize Republican and independent voters will determine the race’s trajectory.

What to watch

Early voting in New York City begins on October 24, with Election Day on November 3. Both campaigns will likely focus on the debate’s key issues, particularly immigration and the economy, in their final outreach efforts. Blakeman may continue to emphasize his differences with Trump on abortion rights, while Hochul will likely highlight her record on cost-of-living measures and data center restrictions. Polling updates in the coming days will indicate whether the debate shifted voter sentiment, particularly among independents and suburban voters.