RTVI posts extended Bruce Blakeman interview on New York governor race

RTVI released an extended interview with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor of New York, on August 17, 2026. Blakeman used the conversation to lay out his tax, energy, spending and migrant-policy agenda as he campaigns for statewide office.

Why it matters: - Blakeman is using the RTVI interview to set out the core themes of his gubernatorial campaign before voters hear them on a larger stage. - The pitch centers on lower taxes, lower utility bills, tighter state spending and a harder line on migrant funding. - His energy plan also puts state policy, local control and the future of data center growth in New York into the same debate.

What happened: - RTVI released an extended interview with Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for governor of New York. - Host Georgy Tsikhiseli conducted the interview. - The conversation covered Blakeman's campaign priorities, his record in Nassau County and his view of state policy under a potential Blakeman administration. - The full interview is available on RTVI's YouTube channel, RTVI Dezhurny po Amerike, or here.

The details: - Blakeman said he would propose exempting joint filers in New York from state income tax on their first $100,000 of income. - Blakeman said he would try to cut residential utility costs by targeting delivery fees, state taxes on electric bills and spending tied to New York's renewable energy programs. - Blakeman said New York residential electricity prices are about 70% higher than the national average. - Blakeman said he would seek to change the composition of the New York Public Service Commission, whose members are appointed by the governor. - Blakeman said Nassau County has not raised property taxes for four straight years during his tenure. - Blakeman said Nassau County has added 900 police officers under his leadership. - Blakeman said Wall Street rating agencies have given Nassau County seven bond upgrades. - Blakeman cited a U.S. News & World Report ranking that identified Nassau as the safest county in the United States. - Blakeman said New York State's annual budget is about twice Florida's, even though Florida has a larger population. - Blakeman said he would order forensic audits of state agencies to review spending. - Blakeman said about $8 billion in state funds has been allocated over three years for migrant services. - Blakeman said he would end those allocations if elected. - Blakeman said he would keep existing benefits for New York residents, defined as people living in the state legally and paying taxes. - Blakeman said New York has natural gas reserves that are not currently allowed for extraction. - Blakeman pointed to Pennsylvania, where hydraulic fracturing is permitted, as a nearby example of natural gas extraction. - Blakeman said in-state natural gas extraction could lower utility costs and create jobs. - Blakeman said New York currently buys natural gas from Pennsylvania. - Blakeman said he supports data center development in New York if certain conditions are met. - Blakeman said data center growth is limited in New York while other places are moving faster. - Blakeman said some developers told him they would generate their own electricity and send excess power back to the grid. - Blakeman said those developers would also use water recirculation systems to reduce consumption and make payments to local governments to offset property tax impacts. - Blakeman said local governments, not the state, should decide where data centers are built. - Blakeman said his campaign will focus on state issues despite receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump. - Blakeman said he and Trump align on some policy issues, but state and federal responsibilities are different.

Between the lines: - The interview frames Blakeman as a fiscal conservative trying to link everyday costs to state policy decisions. - The emphasis on utilities, taxes and migrant spending suggests a campaign aimed at affordability and government restraint. - His comments on natural gas and data centers signal a growth argument that tries to pair energy production with economic development. - The Trump endorsement may help Blakeman politically, but the interview shows he wants the race to stay focused on New York-specific issues.

What's next: - Blakeman is expected to keep presenting his campaign as an argument for lower costs and tighter state spending. - Any proposal on taxes, energy policy or migrant funding would face the normal push and pull of a statewide campaign and, if elected, the state government process. - Local siting decisions, energy policy changes and agency audits would become major flash points if Blakeman advances his platform from campaign talk to governing.