Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman faced off Tuesday night in their first and only debate before the Nov. 3 election.
The hourlong debate, held by Spectrum News, covered a wide range of issues, including immigration, public safety, energy affordability and the economy. Both candidates also focused heavily on the financial pressures facing New Yorkers.
The debate opened with discussion of an Oct. 8 incident with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the Bronx, in which a 28-year-old man was shot by an ICE agent while sitting in a car with his son in the backseat.
Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, criticized Hochul over immigration policy and argued that cooperation with federal law enforcement makes communities safer. Hochul criticized ICE's conduct, saying during the debate that the agency is "out of control."
Immigration policy also became a focus during the candidates' cross-examination. Blakeman pressed Hochul over whether she would return calls from the family of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old Yorktown native who was shot and killed in Chicago by an alleged illegal immigrant.
Hochul did not directly answer Blakeman's question, instead pointing to her administration's investments in law enforcement and saying crime has fallen to historic lows.
Energy was another point of disagreement. When the candidates were asked whether they would reopen Indian Point, Blakeman said he believes the nuclear power plant should reopen. Hochul did not directly commit to reopening Indian Point but highlighted her plans to expand nuclear energy in New York.
President Donald Trump also became a recurring topic. Hochul criticized Blakeman's relationship with the president and sought to tie the Trump administration to higher costs facing New Yorkers, including utility and grocery bills.
Blakeman acknowledged his friendship with Trump while arguing that the two disagree on some issues. He specifically pointed to abortion, describing himself as "pro-choice" and Trump as "pro-life."
