Hawley backs Blakeman for governor in race against Hochul

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) issued the following statement in response to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s announcement that she is exiting the race for governor of New York.

“Congresswoman Stefanik has been a powerful and principled voice for New York and our nation, and her decision to step aside from the governor’s race is disappointing to many of us who believed she would bring the bold leadership our state desperately needs, but I completely understand and respect her desire to spend more time with her family” said Hawley. “Like so many of my colleagues, I want to thank her for her years of service and for her willingness to step forward at a critical moment for New York.”

Hawley echoed sentiments expressed by leaders across the state who praised Stefanik for clearly identifying the direction New York has taken under the current administration, a direction defined by rising costs, declining public safety, runaway spending and an increasingly rigid, top-down approach to energy policy that forces an all-electric agenda onto families, businesses, schools and local governments.

Hawley stressed that New York needs a drastic change in executive leadership to stop the bleeding and restore balance, accountability and opportunity.

“That’s why I have full confidence that Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is the prescription New York needs,” Hawley said. “He understands how to apply tight fiscal policy by cutting waste, restoring public safety and promoting economic growth without crushing taxpayers. Blakeman has shown what responsible leadership looks like, and I believe he can bring that same discipline and results to the governor’s office.”

“New York is at a crossroads,” Hawley concluded. “We can continue down the same failed path, or we can choose real leadership that puts people, affordability, and freedom first. I remain committed to fighting for that change.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley represents the 139th Assembly District, which includes parts of Erie, Genesee, Monroe, and Orleans counties.