Blakeman taps Madison County Sheriff Hood as running mate in governor's race

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has selected Sheriff Todd Hood as his lieutenant governor pick.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has confirmed that he has selected Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood to be his running mate in the New York governor's race. Blakeman praised Hood's experience in law enforcement and public safety, stating that he understands the need for accountability and putting taxpayers first.

Why it matters

Blakeman's selection of Sheriff Hood as his running mate signals a focus on law and order and public safety issues in the governor's race. This could appeal to conservative voters, but may also draw criticism from those who see it as a shift away from more moderate policies.

The details

According to Blakeman's social media post, Sheriff Hood has spent his career "protecting communities, managing complex public safety operations, and standing up for law-abiding New Yorkers." Hood has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including roles with the Syracuse Police Department and the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office.

  • Blakeman confirmed Hood as his running mate on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • Hood became the Madison County Sheriff in January 2018.

The players

Bruce Blakeman

The Republican gubernatorial candidate in New York and the current Nassau County Executive.

Todd Hood

The Madison County Sheriff who has been selected as Blakeman's running mate.

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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. He understands what Kathy Hochul refuses to admit: reckless bail laws and anti-police policies put repeat offenders back on the street, drive businesses out of New York, and make families less safe. Todd Hood and I believe in accountability, results, and putting taxpayers first.”

— Bruce Blakeman, Republican gubernatorial candidate (Facebook)

What’s next

The winner of the Democratic primary between Governor Kathy Hochul and her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, will face off against the Blakeman-Hood ticket in the general election for New York governor.

The takeaway

Blakeman's selection of Sheriff Hood as his running mate signals a focus on law enforcement and public safety issues in the New York governor's race, which could appeal to conservative voters but may also draw criticism from those who see it as a shift away from more moderate policies.