Add The New York Post on Google New York’s correction officers endorsed Republican Bruce Blakeman for governor in a landslide vote — as Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul continues to take heat for conditions at state prisons following last year’s massive strike.
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association voted 1,370 to 78 to back Blakeman, the Nassau County executive — the first time that the union has endorsed in a statewide race, according to a letter obtained by The Post.
“These results represent more than numbers on a ballot,” NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers wrote in the message to members.
Bruce Blakeman, center, said he is “honored” to have the endorsement of the state’s correction officers. Michael Nagle for NY Post “They represent the voices of NYSCOPBA members who took the time to participate and make their decision on who our organization should endorse in the upcoming November General Election.”
Hochul — the incumbent seeking a second, full four-year term — has been on the outs with the union, particularly after she decided to fire 2,000 COs during the illegal wildcat strike, forcing thousands of National Guard troops to staff the prisons in their absence.
Long after the strike ended in March 2025, several thousand guardsmen remain deployed across dozens of correctional facilities — costing state taxpayers millions of dollars a month.
State prisons had about 14,000 corrections officers, sergeants and lieutenants just before the strike. But records from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision showed headcount at roughly 11,113 as of last month — despite an aggressive recruitment drive after the strike.
New York state correctional officers protest unsafe working conditions during a rally at the State Capitol on March 4, 2025, in Albany. Hans Pennink for NY Post “I am honored to have your support and make no mistake — when I’m governor, we’re bringing law and order back to New York and hiring back every single one of those officers Hochul fired,” Blakeman said in a statement.
“Instead of listening to the men and women risking their lives behind prison walls, she fired thousands of correction officers who demanded a safer workplace. Hochul walked away from NYSCOPBA and the heroes who protect us, but I never will,” he said.
The union is also endorsing GOP attorney general candidate Saritha Komatireddy against incumbent Democrat Letitia James. And it voted to back Democratic State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who is facing Republican challenger Joseph Hernandez in November.
