Thursday, October 1, 2026
Day two of the New York State GOP Gubernatorial Convention had a slate of speakers take to the stage, each lauding Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s achievements in local economics, business and law enforcement.
Blakeman would be only the second Long Islander to reach the governor’s mansion — Teddy Roosevelt was the first. Blakeman would also be the first Nassau County executive to reach the state’s highest office.
Long Beach Republican Chairman Jim Moriarty sees Blakeman’s Long Island roots as an advantage for running the state.
“In Nassau County, the demographics and all other statistics mirrors the state of New York,” Moriarty said. “He’s got tremendous executive experience. He’s shown he can win and attract bipartisan support. He’s going to be a tremendous candidate and a great governor.”
New York businessman Harry Singh — president and founder of Bolla Oil Group with nearly 300 gas stations and markets spread across New York, New Jersey and Long Island — spoke about the importance of drawing businesses to the state, saying that he regularly pays more than $12 million in taxes for his business properties, which is reinvested into the community.
“Will New York choose economic growth,” Singh asked the audience, “Or will it continue down a path that drives businesses and jobs away from New York? Economic prosperity does not happen by accident.”
After Singh’s encouraging speech, which, at one point, motivated the audience to break out into a supportive “Bruce! Bruce! Bruce!” chant, New York GOP Chairman Ed Cox returned to the stage. Cox, who acted as primary emcee throughout the day, introduced the Republican nominee for Comptroller, Joseph Hernandez.
Hernandez began by telling his personal story — that he was born in Cuba and his father moved the family to the U.S. after being a political prisoner. Hernandez explained four key lessons his family instilled: Work hard, get educated, love this country, and pay back your debt to the US for the opportunities it provides. Hernandez sees his role as comptroller as a way to pay that debt.
In critiquing the fiscal policies of current state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Hernandez pulled no punches.
“I know a communist when I see a communist,” Hernandez stated. “My friends, he is a communist.” Hernandez gave insight about his plans to boost New York coffers, pledging to invest $1 billion in Israeli bonds which, according to Hernandez, deliver almost 5 percent return on investment. The prospective comptroller also railed against the Metro-Transit Authority, calling it the most abusive agency in New York politics, and promising to enact more strict oversight and accountability.
Hernandez concluded by teasing what he called the Empire Opportunity Fund, a $10 billion fund intended, as he explained, “to invest in New York and its people.” Hernandez hopes to draw in technology companies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, manufacturing and aerospace.
As the crowd broke for lunch, news broke that Democratic candidate Antonio Delgado withdrew from the race for governor, leaving Gov. Kathy Hochul as the definitive Democratic opponent running against Blakeman.
Nassau County Legislator Patrick Mullaney saw Delgado’s decision as a positive indication.
“I would say it adds more momentum,” Mullaney said. “It shows peoples’ unwillingness to want to go up against [Blakeman].”
The convention continued with official nominations for attorney general, Lieutenant Governor and governor. It will conclude on Wednesday.
