NEW YORK (WABC) — Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman sparred Tuesday night in the first and only debate of New York’s gubernatorial race.
Hochul, the incumbent, defended her record as governor during the matchup.
Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, framed the debate as an opportunity to challenge Hochul’s leadership. In a social media post ahead of the debate, he said he plans to hold the governor accountable for what he describes as her failures.
The debate comes less than a week after a Marist Poll showed Hochul holding a double-digit lead over Blakeman in the race.
The contest is expected to give voters their most direct comparison of the two candidates before Election Day.
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