New York Republicans see an opening. After three socialist candidates swept Tuesday primaries, GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman says traditional Democrats are ready to jump ship.
“The lunatic left has taken over the Democratic Party,” Blakeman told Fox News Digital hours after the socialist wins. “They’ve lost control of their party.”
The victories — all backed by socialist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani — have intensified the civil war inside New York’s Democratic coalition. Blakeman, challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026, argues the party’s lurch left creates a massive opening for Republicans among moderate and working-class voters.
“THE TRADITIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE GOING TO VOTE FOR REPUBLICANS THIS YEAR. THEY KNOW THEIR PARTY HAS GONE OFF THE DEEP END.”
Blakeman pointed to Mamdani’s proposals — government-run grocery stores, free transit, taxpayer-funded housing — as proof socialists now control the party’s agenda.
“They’ve offered everybody free stuff,” Blakeman said. “They’re never going to do what they say they’re going to.”
The Nassau County executive argues voters are being sold “an unrealistic vision in which everything in New York could be free,” while longtime Democrats feel abandoned by their own party.
“Free grocery stores, I mean, that’s complete nonsense,” Blakeman said. “Government should not be competing with the private sector.”
Blakeman warned the socialist policies would harm small businesses and accelerate the exodus of residents and employers already fleeing New York’s high taxes. He’s campaigning on lower taxes, reduced utility costs, and a business-friendly turnaround.
He didn’t spare Hochul, accusing the governor of enabling the party’s radical wing.
“They’re in league together,” Blakeman said of Hochul and Mamdani. “I now call her Comrade Kathy.”
Blakeman secured President Donald Trump’s endorsement earlier this year. Asked about Trump’s support, Blakeman said it’s valuable but urged voters to focus on shared concerns — affordability, public safety, and tax relief.
The Republican candidate sees the socialist surge as a gift to his party, particularly among suburban voters who once reliably voted blue.
“Traditional Democrats see their party going off the deep end. They don’t like it,” Blakeman said. “They’re going to come on board with us because it’s the only way to stop their party from becoming an extinct party.”
Neither Mamdani’s office nor Hochul’s office responded to requests for comment.
