Rep. Lee Zeldin and Gov. Kathy Hochul met Tuesday at Pace University in Manhattan for their first and only scheduled debate in the race for governor.
The pair clashed on their policy prescriptions to address New Yorkers’ concerns about crime, the economy, abortion, economic development, and democracy.
Here's what they had to say:
Gun control, bail reform and public safety
In an exchange detailing their public safety policies, Gov. @KathyHochul lauds gun laws passed in Albany this year while Rep. @LeeZeldin slams cashless bail and calls for new strategies beyond gun control. #nydebates pic.twitter.com/d6DsxGESoc
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) October 25, 2022
Rep. @LeeZeldin explains why he would seek to remove Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg "as soon as I can" once taking office.
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) October 25, 2022
Gov. @KathyHochul responds, saying "I'm not surprised because in Lee Zeldin's world, you overturn elections you don't agree with." #nydebates pic.twitter.com/up09CRlvCr
Abortion access
On abortion, Rep. @leezeldin said he won't change abortion laws, but would consider ending funding for abortion providers.
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) October 25, 2022
Gov. @KathyHochul criticizes his record on abortion rights and says she doesn't trust Zeldin to not to try to ban abortion. #nydebates pic.twitter.com/BIB6zQa5pB
Donald Trump and the 2020 election
For her question, Gov. @KathyHochul asks Rep. @leezeldin "Is Donald Trump a good president?"
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) October 26, 2022
Rep. @leezeldin lists accomplishments he worked on with the former president. #nydebates pic.twitter.com/g522rL85wX
Rep. @leezeldin defends his vote against certifying the 2020 presidential election in Arizona and Pennsylvania, and says he would accept the results of this year's election for governor. #nydebates pic.twitter.com/VE2IKMLTYe
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) October 26, 2022
The migrant crisis
Gov. @KathyHochul said she is in conversation with President Joe Biden and Mayor Eric Adams about the arrival of asylum seekers in New York when asked if she has spoken to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. #nydebates pic.twitter.com/0IcBOAh6DQ
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) October 26, 2022
The Buffalo Bills
"We can absolutely have a better deal."
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) October 26, 2022
Rep. @leezeldin says the Buffalo Bills aren't leaving New York and criticizes the $600 million deal to keep a team with a billionaire owner. #nydebates pic.twitter.com/37rlnh5F4d
COVID-19 vaccine mandates
Asked if they would mandate COVID-19 vaccines for children to attend school, Gov. @KathyHochul said "not at this time" and Rep. @leezeldin said he doesn't support COVID-19 vaccine mandates in any form. #nydebates pic.twitter.com/lqIFS8RDe0
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) October 26, 2022
Economic development
Rep. @leezeldin calls for a state spending cap, cutting taxes, and reverse a ban on natural gas extraction to address New Yorkers' economic struggles.
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) October 25, 2022
"New York is going to be back open for business, baby. January 1st." #nydebates pic.twitter.com/7bVX4NidFT