GOP's Bruce Blakeman taps Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as running mate

Blakeman's previous choice for lieutenant governor, Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino, reportedly backed out just hours earlier.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has selected Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as his running mate for lieutenant governor, just hours after his previous choice, Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino, reportedly declined the offer. Blakeman said Hood is a "solid guy" and they will make a "good team together." The move comes as the GOP convention kicks off, where Blakeman is expected to easily win the party's nomination for governor.

Why it matters

The selection of a running mate is a crucial decision for any gubernatorial candidate, as the lieutenant governor can play a significant role in the administration and potentially succeed the governor. Blakeman's quick pivot from one choice to another raises questions about the stability and cohesion of his campaign team.

The details

Blakeman said Hood, who previously served 22 years in the Syracuse Police Department and the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office before becoming Madison County sheriff in 2018, accepted the offer on Monday. Blakeman said Giardino's explanation of declining the offer over concerns about campaigning statewide while running his sheriff's department is accurate. Hood, who is a father of three, now serves as vice president of the New York State Sheriffs' Association and chairman of the National Sheriffs' Association School Safety Committee.

  • Blakeman tapped Hood as his running mate on Monday, shortly after Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino reportedly declined the offer.
  • The GOP convention, where Blakeman is expected to easily win the party's nomination for governor, kicks off on Monday and runs through Wednesday.

The players

Bruce Blakeman

Republican gubernatorial candidate in New York.

Todd Hood

Madison County Sheriff, who accepted Blakeman's offer to run for lieutenant governor.

Richard Giardino

Fulton County Sheriff, who reportedly declined Blakeman's initial offer to be his running mate.

Kathy Hochul

The incumbent Democratic governor of New York, who is running for re-election.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The GOP convention, where Blakeman is expected to easily win the party's nomination for governor, kicks off on Monday and runs through Wednesday. A vote on the gubernatorial seat is expected Wednesday morning.

The takeaway

Blakeman's quick pivot from one running mate to another raises questions about the stability and cohesion of his campaign team, as the selection of a lieutenant governor is a crucial decision for any gubernatorial candidate.