NEW YORK Gov. Kathy Hochul, joined by Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pat Ryan, held a roundtable in Dutchess County on Tuesday to highlight the state's one-year moratorium on hyperscale data center construction. Hochul signed the executive order last week and has made the measure central to her re-election pitch, arguing it will protect the environment and energy resources while establishing development standards for localities.
With Election Day 28 days away on Nov. 3, the race remains competitive. Polls show Hochul leads Blakeman by anywhere from zero to 10 points depending on the survey, reflecting the volatility of the contest. Both candidates are betting that voter concerns over affordability and immigration will drive turnout in their favor.
Blakeman has positioned himself to the right of Hochul on border security and public safety, though he has said his views diverge from President Trump's on some issues. Hochul has sought to frame the race around quality-of-life issues and government action on environmental concerns.
In a separate move last week, Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the Cornell gang rape investigation, an appointment she characterized as part of her official duties independent of the election cycle.
