RTVI Publishes Extended Interview with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman on His New York Gubernatorial Campaign

RTVI has released an extended interview with Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for Governor of New York.

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, August 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- RTVI has released an extended interview with Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for Governor of New York, conducted by host Georgy Tsikhiseli. In the conversation, Blakeman outlined the priorities of his gubernatorial campaign, including proposed tax reductions, changes to state energy policy, and reforms to state spending.

Campaign Platform
Blakeman told RTVI that, if elected, he would propose exempting joint filers in New York from state income tax on their first $100,000 of income.
He said he would seek to reduce residential utility costs, citing what he identified as three cost drivers: delivery fees, state taxes on electric bills, and expenditures associated with New York's renewable energy programs. Blakeman stated that New York State's residential electricity prices are approximately 70% higher than the national average. He said that, as governor, he would seek to change the composition of the New York Public Service Commission, whose members are appointed by the Governor.

Record as Nassau County Executive
Blakeman told RTVI that during his tenure as Nassau County Executive, the county has not raised property taxes for four consecutive years, has added 900 police officers, and has received seven bond upgrades from Wall Street rating agencies. He cited a U.S. News & World Report designation of Nassau as the safest county in the United States.

State Spending and Migrant Services
Blakeman said New York State's annual budget is approximately twice that of Florida, despite Florida having a larger population. He said his approach as governor would include forensic audits of state agencies to review current expenditures.
Blakeman stated that approximately $8 billion in state funds have been allocated over three years to services for migrants. He said he would end such allocations if elected. He said he would maintain existing benefits for New York residents, whom he defined as individuals residing in the state legally and paying taxes.

Natural Gas
Blakeman said New York State holds significant natural gas reserves that are not currently permitted for extraction. Asked by RTVI about environmental considerations associated with hydraulic fracturing, Blakeman referenced neighboring Pennsylvania, where such extraction is permitted, and said in-state extraction could reduce utility costs and support job creation. He said New York currently purchases natural gas from Pennsylvania.

Data Centers
Blakeman said he supports the development of data centers in New York under specified conditions. He noted that data center development is currently limited in the state, while other jurisdictions are actively developing this sector.
According to Blakeman, he has met with data center developers who indicated a willingness to generate their own electricity and return excess capacity to the grid, install water recirculation systems to reduce consumption, and make payments to local governments to offset property tax impacts. Blakeman said decisions on siting such facilities should rest with local governments rather than the state.

President Trump
Asked about his relationship with President Donald Trump, from whom he has received an endorsement, Blakeman said his campaign will focus on state-level issues and noted policy alignments while stating that state and federal responsibilities are distinct.

The full interview is available on RTVI's YouTube channel RTVI Dezhurny po Amerike ("On Duty in America").

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