Bruce Blakeman addresses endorsement controversy and visits Ohel

New York gubernatorial Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman has addressed controversy surrounding his endorsement of Brooklyn congressional candidate Joel Anabilah-Azumah. Anabilah-Azumah, who is running to unseat Democratic incumbent Yvette Clarke, recently faced scrutiny after public statements suggesting the September 11 attacks were an ‘inside job.’

Blakeman stated he was unaware of these specific beliefs at the time of his endorsement and expressed concern regarding the comments. While he noted that he would not have endorsed the candidate had he known of the statements, he stopped short of a formal retraction. The New York State Democratic Party has criticized the endorsement, calling the association with conspiracy theories disqualifying for a candidate seeking the governorship.

In separate news, Blakeman visited the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe ahead of Rosh Hashanah. The Nassau County Executive, who has focused his campaign on issues such as Jewish security and combating antisemitism, described the visit as a ‘profoundly spiritual and deeply moving experience.’