Blakeman names Madison County Sheriff as running mate in NY governor race

The Republican candidate for New York governor has selected his lieutenant governor running mate.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has selected Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as his running mate for the New York gubernatorial Republican primary. Blakeman cited Hood's dedication to public safety as the reason for the pick. Hood said he will work with Blakeman to restore law and order, support law enforcement, protect victims, and respect taxpayers.

Why it matters

The selection of a running mate is a key strategic decision for any gubernatorial candidate, as the lieutenant governor can play an important role in shaping the administration's priorities and agenda. Blakeman's choice of a law enforcement veteran signals a focus on public safety and criminal justice issues in his campaign.

The details

Blakeman confirmed his pick of Hood in a Facebook post on Monday. Hood has served as sheriff of Madison County since 2018 and previously worked in various law enforcement roles. He is also the vice president of the New York State Sheriffs' Association and a member of the New York State Association of Counties Public Safety Committee. Blakeman and Hood said they will work to cut taxes, repeal Governor Kathy Hochul's bail laws, and lower the cost of living for New York families.

  • Blakeman announced his running mate selection on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Bruce Blakeman

The Republican candidate for New York governor and the current Nassau County Executive.

Todd Hood

The Madison County Sheriff who will be Blakeman's running mate for the New York gubernatorial Republican primary.

Kathy Hochul

The current Democratic Governor of New York.

Antonio Delgado

The current Democratic Lieutenant Governor of New York.

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What they’re saying

“My running mate, Sheriff Todd Hood has spent his career protecting communities, managing complex public safety operations, and standing up for law-abiding New Yorkers.”

— Bruce Blakeman, Republican candidate for New York governor (Facebook)

“As Sheriff, I see the real-world consequences of Albany's failed policies every day — rising crime, higher costs, and repeat offenders released back into our communities. Together, Bruce and I will restore law and order, support law enforcement, protect victims, and respect taxpayers.”

— Todd Hood, Madison County Sheriff (Facebook)

What’s next

The Blakeman-Hood ticket will now focus on campaigning for the Republican primary, which is scheduled for June 2026.

The takeaway

Blakeman's selection of a law enforcement veteran as his running mate signals a focus on public safety and criminal justice issues in his campaign, which could resonate with Republican voters concerned about rising crime rates and the state's bail reform laws.