Hochul wins New York governor race, defeating Trump-backed Blakeman
The win ends Republican hopes of a closer contest against the incumbent, who took office in 2021 after Andrew Cuomo resigned.
Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul secured another term as New York governor on Tuesday, beating Republican Bruce A. Blakeman, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.
Hochul took over the governorship in 2021 after Cuomo stepped down over sexual harassment allegations, and her victory ended Republican hopes of a tighter race.
She won her first full term in 2022 by a slim margin over Republican Lee Zeldin.
During the campaign, Hochul pushed back against the Trump administration, criticized Blakeman for backing the president, and promised to reduce living costs while investing in education.
Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, described Hochul as out of touch and said her policies had made the state less safe and less affordable.
He also criticized the Manhattan congestion pricing program and Hochul's ties to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
President Donald Trump endorsed Blakeman and called Hochul "a nightmare for crime" at an August event on Long Island, then campaigned alongside him in Syracuse in October.
New York's governor serves a four-year term, and the state is one of the most populous in the United States.
Congestion pricing, which charges drivers who enter the busiest parts of Manhattan, has been a contentious issue in state politics.