Bruce Blakeman attacks NYC policies ahead of New York governor race

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman criticized Manhattan as a “third‑world country,” citing visible homelessness, litter and recent shootings. He blamed Mayor Zohran Mamdani for halting plans to hire additional police officers and for a major homeless encampment near the Intrepid Museum, arguing the city’s safety and economic prospects are deteriorating. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman‑Segal dismissed the remarks as inaccurate.

Blakeman also announced he will invoke a little‑known provision of the New York State Constitution – the “Gift and Loan Clause” – to block Mamdani’s proposed $70 million network of city‑owned supermarkets. He contends the plan would unlawfully subsidise private operators, threaten independent grocers and result in job losses, and could end up in court over whether the proposal serves a legitimate public purpose. Critics, including Gristedes CEO John Catsimatidis, say the clause may not apply, while Governor Kathy Hochul, who supports Mamdani, has expressed a preference for free‑enterprise solutions.