Syracuse Trump rally spotlights GOP attacks on Hochul ahead of midterms

President Donald Trump and Republican candidates used a rally in Syracuse on Friday, Oct. 9 to spotlight GOP attacks on Gov. Kathy Hochul ahead of midterms. Speaking to several thousand people at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, Trump’s event gave Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman a prominent upstate platform, with attendees reacting strongly to his mentions. Blakeman blamed Hochul and other Democrats for New York’s energy costs, saying it harms economic development and community safety, and urged voters to “fight for our children and grandchildren.” Trump, who appeared with former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, repeatedly bashed Hochul, promoted Blakeman, and criticized New York’s new restrictions on law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agencies. He also highlighted Lee Zeldin, the EPA administrator, while referencing Zeldin’s 2022 loss to Hochul and boosting promises to cut energy bills.