November 3, 2026 · 12 statements · 2026.09.30-7cc57bb3
Reviewed by a person.
Candidates
Bruce Blakeman
Republican
Sourced positions on 7 of 12
Kathy Hochul
DemocraticIncumbent
Sourced positions on 9 of 12
Statements and positions
AgreeDisagreeNo clear positionSelect a position to see the evidence behind it.
Bruce BlakemanRepublicanKathy HochulDemocratic, incumbent
State statements
TaxesNo. 01/12
New York should cut its state income tax rates.
Background
New York has graduated income tax rates, with the top state rate among the highest in the country. Lower rates would reduce taxes for earners and reduce state revenue.
When I am Governor, New Yorkers will pay zero state income tax on the first $50,000 they earn. For married couples filing jointly, zero state income tax on the first $100,000.
$1 billion in middle-class tax cuts across five of the State's nine tax brackets, cutting rates to their lowest level in nearly 70 years for New Yorkers who file jointly and earn up to $323,000 annually
Campaign or official site · Jan 21, 2025 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
New York should lower its state taxes on businesses.
Background
New York taxes business income through its corporate franchise tax, with a higher rate on the largest companies. A cut would reduce those taxes and the revenue they bring to the state budget.
New York State is already the highest taxed state in the United States, and we are very concerned that this will drive more jobs out of New York State, that this will drive more businesses out of New York State
New York should allow local police to sign agreements to help enforce federal immigration law.
Background
A 2026 state law bars local governments and police from signing 287(g) agreements, under which local officers carry out some immigration tasks for ICE. Several counties and sheriffs have sued to overturn the ban.
New York should keep the congestion toll for driving into lower Manhattan.
Background
Since January 2025, most drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street pay a daily toll that funds mass transit upgrades. Ending it would remove the charge and the revenue it raises for the transit system.
New York should use state funds to replace federal cuts to Medicaid.
Background
Federal law passed in 2025 reduces federal Medicaid funding and adds new eligibility rules for some enrollees. The state could spend its own money to keep coverage and payments at current levels.
Make no mistake: there is no State in this country that has the financial resources to backfill the massive federal funding cuts proposed by DOGE and Congressional Republicans.
Campaign or official site · Mar 26, 2025 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
New York should keep its pause on new large data centers until state rules for them are in place.
Background
In July 2026 the governor ordered a statewide pause of up to a year on new hyperscale data centers while the state writes rules. Keeping it would block new large projects until those rules take effect.
DEC...is directed to hold in abeyance all applications for any discretionary permit, approval, license, or similar form of permission for the construction or expansion of a data center
Campaign or official site · Jul 14, 2026 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
New York should lift its ban on natural gas fracking.
Background
New York banned high-volume hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in 2014 and wrote the ban into state law in 2020. Lifting it would allow permits for fracking wells.
Why in the world would we sit on one of the largest natural gas reserves and not enjoy that natural resource, to create prosperity, to create economic development, to lower utility bills
New York should repeal its law limiting solitary confinement in prisons and jails.
Background
The 2021 HALT Act generally limits solitary confinement in state prisons and local jails to 15 consecutive days. Repeal would let corrections officials use longer isolation again.
New York should prosecute 16- and 17-year-olds charged with violent felonies in adult court.
Background
Under New York's Raise the Age law, felony cases against 16- and 17-year-olds start in a special youth part of criminal court, and many are moved to family court. This would keep violent felony cases against them in adult court.
New York should bar utilities from charging customers for lobbying costs or executive pay.
Background
State regulators decide which utility costs can be built into the rates customers pay, and some lobbying and executive pay costs can reach bills. This would bar utilities from recovering those costs from customers.
New York should keep its requirement of a background check for every ammunition purchase.
Background
Since 2023 New York requires a background check through the state police for each purchase of ammunition. Keeping it would leave that requirement in place.
New York should keep its law barring civil immigration arrests at courthouses without a judge's warrant.
Background
The 2020 Protect Our Courts Act bars civil immigration arrests of people going to, attending or leaving New York courts unless a judge has signed a warrant. Keeping it would leave that limit in place.
immigration officials being able to go into places we consider sensitive locations — common sense — schools, places of worship, community centers, hospitals, courthouses, without a judicial warrant
Campaign or official site · May 29, 2026 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026