Bruce Blakeman Announces Run For Governor: A Plan to Put New York First With Real Affordability, Real Safety, and Real Leadership

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman formally launched his candidacy for Governor of New York, unveiling a bold, common-sense agenda built around one mission: Put New York First.

“New Yorkers are being hit from every angle—rising prices, rising crime, and Albany mandates that make life harder, not easier,” Blakeman said. “I’m running for Governor to put the people of our state first. It’s time for leadership that fixes problems, protects families, and makes New York affordable and safe again.”

Blakeman brings proven executive experience from Nassau County, a jurisdiction larger than eight states combined, where his leadership delivered real results.

Under Blakeman’s leadership, Nassau County became the safest county in America, a reflection of its investments in public safety, community policing, and strong support for law enforcement. He also cut taxes, balanced budgets, and earned bond‑rating upgrades—all while protecting girls’ sports by ensuring boys play with boys and girls play with girls.

Blakeman also ensured Nassau County did not adopt New York’s sanctuary policies, keeping the county safe and accountable. Nassau’s poverty rate remains far lower than the state average, and employment levels and wages outperform much of New York—demonstrating the impact of prioritizing safety, affordability, and opportunity.

“Four years ago, we made promises—we said we wouldn’t be a sanctuary county, we wouldn’t raise taxes, and we’d protect our kids in schools—and we delivered,” Blakeman said. “We also stood up to Albany mandates, including mask policies, and we unmasked our children. These results didn’t happen by accident; they came from putting residents first.”

Blakeman also served as a Port Authority Commissioner during 9/11, helping lead New York’s recovery—further demonstrating his capacity to handle crises and make tough decisions.

Nassau County is a diverse, dynamic community with 1.4 million residents, approximately 55.8% are White, while 18.4% are Hispanic, 11.7% Asian, and 10.5% Black, with additional multiracial and other‑race residents. In this racially and ethnically mixed environment, Blakeman’s recent reelection—winning by 12% in a county with over 110,000 more Democrats than Republicans—shows he drew support not just from Republicans but from independent voters, a significant portion of Democrats, and people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. This broad-based backing demonstrates that his message of affordability, safety, and leadership resonated across political and demographic lines—not just with a single constituency. It also underscores how Blakeman defied historical trends, as Nassau County voters have elected a County Executive from the opposite political party of the sitting President in each of the last eight election cycles.

Blakeman will unveil a sweeping affordability package designed to deliver immediate relief to New Yorkers burdened by high taxes, utility bills, and rising costs: “Affordability is not a slogan—it’s whether people can stay here,” Blakeman said. “That is why my administration will Put New York First by protecting taxpayers and delivering real relief.”

The number one affordability issue is taxes. Just as he did in Nassau, Blakeman plans to cut New York’s taxes rather than raise them, countering proposals from those who would burden working families further. But taxes are only one part of the growing financial pressure on residents. Families are also being squeezed by rising heating and electric bills, higher water costs, and the steady uptick in everyday household expenses. These increases don’t come all at once—they creep in slowly, a few dollars here and a few dollars there—but over the course of a year, they add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For many New Yorkers, those cumulative costs are the difference between staying afloat and falling behind.

Blakeman’s affordability plan aims to confront this reality head-on by reducing the financial burden on households and ensuring New Yorkers can continue to live, work, and raise their families here without being priced out.

Blakeman will present a comprehensive statewide public safety plan that mirrors Nassau’s success. Key proposals include reforming bail laws, strengthening discovery laws, targeting gangs and drug traffickers, and removal of dangerous individuals from the streets.

“New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, on public transit, and at home,” Blakeman said. “While crime has spiraled under harmful policies, I will Put New York First by standing with victims, not offenders, and supporting our police.”

While Democrats made gains nationwide, the Republican Party shined bright on Long Island. Blakeman won reelection by 12 points in a county often considered Democratic—a clear sign that voters rewarded results over party labels.

This victory shows that when leaders keep their promises and deliver tangible improvements—safety, affordability, effective governance—they can unite communities, win over independents, Democrats, and people of all backgrounds, and restore confidence in public service.

Where Albany raised costs, Blakeman will freeze them. Where Albany imposed mandates, Blakeman will roll them back. Where Albany’s policies undermined safety, his leadership made Nassau the safest county in America. Where Albany’s economic climate drove jobs away, Nassau’s employment levels stayed strong and stable.

“This election will answer one question: Will we continue down a path that puts Albany first—or choose a new direction that puts New Yorkers first?” Blakeman said.

New Yorkers across regions and backgrounds have an opportunity to unite under Blakeman’s leadership.

“Putting New York First means standing up for working families, protecting taxpayers, restoring safety, and rebuilding trust in government,” he said. “It means holding criminals accountable, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring every community—from Buffalo to Brooklyn to Brookhaven—has a real chance to succeed.”

For too long, Albany has been controlled by one party. New York needs a strong executive to take the fight against failed liberal policies that are driving taxes, utilities, and crime higher. Bruce Blakeman is that leader. He has a proven track record of getting results, making tough decisions, and putting people first. With Bruce Blakeman, we can make New York strong, safe, and affordable again.

For more information, visit BlakemanforNewYork.com. 

Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) is speaking out against the state’s lax approach to antisemitic hate crimes after a repeat felony offender was allowed to walk free after terrorizing Jewish residents on Long Island. The perpetrator was a 75-year-old man who pleaded guilty in August to two felony hate crimes, including painting swastikas and phrases such as “Jews Die” and “Jews Burn” throughout the community. After being arrested, the man was sentenced to just five days in prison, a sentence he didn’t even fully serve as he was allowed to walk free on “good behavior.”

This incident comes at a time when Jewish New Yorkers feel less safe than ever in our state. A recent poll by the American Jewish Community found that a majority (56%) of American Jews report changing their behavior out of fear of antisemitism. The election of Socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City has also exacerbated these concerns. Mamdani has issued several anti-Jewish statements, including refusing to support an initiative to condemn the Holocaust in the state Assembly and even praising the Hamas terror-funding group Holy Land Five in a 2017 rap song as a part of his short-lived and unsuccessful hip-hop career. Brown believes this is yet another example of the radical left’s inability to call out antisemitic hate crimes within our communities and provide fair treatment for Jewish New Yorkers.

“What we’re seeing play out in our state is a tale as old as time,” said Brown. “While Jewish New Yorkers are fearing for their lives, repeat hate-crime offenders are being sent back into the very communities they once terrorized. This is the classic bait and switch that the Jewish community has become accustomed to with this administration. Kathy Hochul talks a big game about combating antisemitism, while at the same time endorsing an anti-Jewish Socialist for our state’s largest city. This is an outright betrayal of Jewish New Yorkers. We need real leadership that protects vulnerable communities, not a charlatan who gives lip service when it’s politically convenient.” n

{Village of Lawrence Announces Festive Holiday Lighting and Nightly Menorah Lightings

The Village of Lawrence is proud to invite the community to celebrate the holiday season with special events that bring light, joy, and togetherness to our neighborhood.

The Village will illuminate the Business District with festive holiday lighting, adding warmth and charm to our local shops and streets. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by, enjoy the decorations, and support our local businesses throughout the season.

In addition, the Village will host Nightly Menorah Lightings at Village Hall, each evening of Chanukah. Families, friends, and neighbors are invited to gather as we kindle the lights and celebrate the spirit of the holiday together. See VillageofLawrence.org for schedule.

“We look forward to welcoming the community as we bring light to Lawrence during this special time of year,” said Mayor Samuel Nahmias. “These events reflect the unity, tradition, and vibrancy of our Village.”

All are welcome to attend.

For more information, please contact Village Hall.

Mayor Nahmias Participates in North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism

Mayor Samuel Nahmias and Monica Nahmias with Town Supervisor John Ferretti at 2025 North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism

Mayor Samuel Nahmias and Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti joined more than 200 mayors and municipal leaders at the 2025 North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, hosted by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) and the City of New Orleans, December 2–4. 

This high-impact, bipartisan summit equips cities with real tools—from model ordinances and crisis communication guidance to law enforcement training and community-building strategies—empowering leaders to take clear, united action against hate.

Mayor Samuel Nahmias, who was recently honored by the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County for his commitment to community and justice, reflected on the experience, “I learned from colleagues across government about the diverse and meaningful ways they are addressing the antisemitic incidents their constituents face. Antisemitism is a persistent, destructive force—one that spreads hatred and seeks to destabilize democratic societies. History shows that it rarely stops with one group; hatred aimed at Jews or Israel eventually expands to target other minority communities as well. This is why our fight must be united, consistent, and unwavering at every level.

“In recent months, we have also witnessed troubling displays of hostility toward Israel, including decisions by some government bodies to divest from Israeli investments. These actions—often taken under political pressure—ignore Israel’s profound contributions to the world. From life-saving drug discoveries and groundbreaking medical devices to cutting-edge technologies that shape our daily lives, Israel has been a global leader in innovation, science, and humanitarian advancement. The world would be markedly less advanced without Israel’s ingenuity and collaboration. Instead of turning our backs, we should recognize and support the immense value Israel brings to the international community.

“As a mayor, I have witnessed how these patterns repeat. Each time we believe society has moved past this point, we see antisemitism reemerge in new forms. It often begins with hostility toward Jewish communities and Israel, then spreads across the United States and to other parts of the world. This dangerous trend threatens the values and shared understanding we have worked so hard to build.

“We must continue to bridge divides, strengthen communication, and act with empathy and solidarity. Through unity, vigilance, and a commitment to our shared humanity, we can confront antisemitism in all its forms and ensure our communities remain safe, inclusive, and resilient.”