Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman set debate

ALBANY — Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul and her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman, agreed to a televised debate at 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 — which will likely be the only time voters will get to see the two candidates on stage together.

The live debate will be televised by Spectrum News and NY1 at their studies in New York City and be co-moderated by Spectrum News political anchors Errol Louis and Susan Arbetter, Charter Communications announced Tuesday. It will also be available on Optimum and can be viewed live through the Spectrum App or on Spectrum's YouTube Channel.

The gubernatorial debate between Hochul and the Nassau County executive will be the last of three debates for statewide offices ahead of the Nov. 3 elections including the race for the offices of state comptroller and attorney general.

A debate between Democratic State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and his challenger, Republican entrepreneur Joseph Hernandez, will be televised at 7 p.m. on Oct. 1.

And a debate between Democratic State Attorney General Letitia James and her Republican Challenger Saritha Komatireddy, a former prosecutor, will be televised at 7 p.m. on Oct. 8.

Incumbent governors in New York, in recent years, have typically participated in one debate prior to the general election.

Hochul and her Republican challenger four years ago, former Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) only had one debate. While Blakeman has called for multiple debates, this is the sole debate Hochul has agreed to.

Affordability will likely be a key part of the discussion on Oct. 13 as both gubernatorial candidates have made it a centerpiece in their campaigns, both pointing to rising costs, including energy prices.

Blakeman has been placing the blame on Hochul and Democrats in Albany, particularly the implementation of the state's climate law for the rise in costs. Hochul has been focused on Blakeman's ties to President Donald Trump, and has placed much of the blame on the U.S. war with Iran, as well as tariffs put in place by the Republican administration.