Republican New York gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman criticized Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani regarding subway safety during a campaign event on Monday. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive and former Port Authority commissioner, rode the New York City subway system to highlight his platform on public safety, stating that commuters feel less secure due to recent policy decisions by Democratic leadership.
"I have not heard from one person, and from all the people, that it's safer on the subways and public transportation in New York," Blakeman said while riding the train. "I've heard just the opposite. Everybody says they feel less safe."
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic officials, including Gov. Hochul, have defended their record by emphasizing modernization efforts and fiscal responsibility. Hochul vetoed legislation in December 2025 that would have mandated two-person crews on subway trains, arguing that the requirement would restrict the MTA’s modernization initiatives and cost up to $10 million annually. The administration has prioritized infrastructure updates and automated systems over traditional staffing models, positing that these changes are necessary for long-term efficiency and service reliability.
Mayor Mamdani’s administration has also faced scrutiny regarding public safety policies, including a recent review of NYPD use-of-force protocols. While critics note a clash with Democratic socialists over police abolition proposals, the mayor’s office has maintained that community-based solutions and de-escalation training are central to their public safety strategy, distinct from the punitive measures favored by Blakeman.
What the Right Is Saying
Blakeman characterized Hochul as "the most pro-criminal governor in the United States of America," citing a series of criminal-justice reforms enacted under her watch. He specifically targeted laws such as cashless bail, the Raise the Age act, the HALT Act, and the Clean Slate law, which seals certain criminal convictions. Blakeman argued that these policies, along with the refusal to cooperate with ICE, have made New Yorkers less safe.
The Republican candidate called for hiring more police officers and conductors, improving lighting in subway stations, and providing better mental health resources for individuals on the trains. "Police are very important, but I think people feel very comfortable and very safe when they see a conductor," Blakeman stated. He also criticized congestion pricing as a "tax on the middle class" that discourages public transit use rather than making it safer.
What the Numbers Show
The debate centers on the impact of the 2025 legislation requiring at least two-person crews—an operator and a conductor—which was passed by the state but vetoed by Gov. Hochul on December 5, 2025. The veto preserved the MTA’s one-person train operation program. The Hochul administration cited a potential cost of up to $10 million annually as the primary reason for the veto. Meanwhile, the MTA has reported losing millions in skipped fares following the introduction of free bus promises by Mayor Mamdani, a policy Blakeman linked to broader funding and safety concerns.
Blakeman’s comments reflect a broader national trend where transit safety is a key election issue, with violent crimes and commuter fears frequently cited in political campaigns. The source notes that the subway system has been "plagued by violent crimes," though specific statistical data on crime rates during the specific campaign period was not provided in the initial report.
The Bottom Line
Blakeman’s campaign strategy focuses on contrasting his public safety platform with Democratic policies on criminal justice and transit operations. By riding the subway and engaging directly with voters, he aims to capitalize on perceived gaps in the current administration's ability to ensure commuter safety. The upcoming election will likely see continued debate over the balance between transit modernization, staffing levels, and criminal-justice reform in New York City and the state.