NY Democrats Sue Over Blakeman's Plan to Train 'Militia' of Deputy Sheriffs

Gubernatorial candidate accused of illegally deputizing private citizens, including some elderly acquaintances, to exercise police powers during emergencies.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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New York Democratic officials have filed a lawsuit against Republican gubernatorial nominee Bruce Blakeman, alleging that he is illegally training private citizens, including some of his own acquaintances, to exercise police powers against civilians as part of a militia in Long Island. The participants in the training program have no law enforcement experience, and at least five individuals who have enrolled are well into their 70s, according to the lawsuit.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the potential abuse of power and the legality of a gubernatorial candidate attempting to deputize private citizens to act as law enforcement during public emergencies, potentially overstepping the bounds of their authority.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by two Nassau County Democrats who claim that Blakeman's plan to deputize private citizens to act as special deputy county sheriffs during public emergencies 'flies on the face of the law.' The Democrats argue that Blakeman's attempt to confer police powers on private citizens is illegal and could lead to abuse of power and a breakdown of the rule of law.

  • The lawsuit was filed in 2026, ahead of the gubernatorial election.

The players

Bruce Blakeman

The Republican nominee for governor of New York who is accused of illegally training private citizens to exercise police powers.

Nassau County Democrats

Two Democratic officials in Nassau County who filed the lawsuit against Blakeman's plan to deputize private citizens as special deputy county sheriffs.

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What they’re saying

“Blakeman's attempt to confer police powers on private citizens 'flies on the face of the law.'”

— Nassau County Democrats (bloomberglaw.com)

What’s next

The lawsuit is ongoing, and the court will need to determine the legality of Blakeman's plan to deputize private citizens as special deputy sheriffs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential dangers of a gubernatorial candidate attempting to circumvent the law and deputize private citizens to exercise police powers, which could lead to abuse of power and a breakdown of the rule of law.