Blakeman tours upstate as Hochul targets Harlem in final day of campaigning

New York voters have a final chance to hear from their candidates before polls open Tuesday. Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman spent Monday executing their last scheduled stops, aiming to sway undecided voters after a week of heavy early turnout.

State figures show that more than 690,000 residents cast ballots in New York City during the early voting period. Brooklyn recorded the highest number with 219,536 votes, followed by Manhattan. Democratic candidates received more early votes than their Republican opponents, although historical data suggests Republicans often turn out in greater numbers on Election Day itself.

Hochul focused her Monday efforts on reinforcing support in key urban districts. She campaigned at a subway station in Harlem, a neighborhood considered a Democratic stronghold. The previous day, she joined Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for an event in Astoria.

Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, pursued a different strategy on Monday. He launched a statewide tour starting in Bethpage. His itinerary included stops in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Binghamton before he concluded the day in Manhattan. On Sunday, he campaigned in Northport alongside Representative Nick LaLota and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.

The candidates exchanged sharp criticisms during their final appearances. Blakeman alleged that Hochul and Mamdani have formed a secret agreement to increase taxes. He noted that Mamdani has discussed tax hikes and that Hochul has not ruled them out.

Hochul countered by emphasizing alignment between state and city leadership. She stated that it is important for these governments to work together for the benefit of New York City residents. Using a sports metaphor, she said she holds the ball and is running toward the end zone, but the game is not yet over.

With the campaign winding down, polling places will open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. No early voting was available on Monday, making Tuesday the final day for in-person voting in the state.