Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman sharply criticized Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday for what he described as declining student performance in New York’s public schools during her tenure. Speaking at a campaign event in The Bronx, Blakeman pledged to prioritize STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education if elected in the November race.

Blakeman, who currently serves as Nassau County executive, pointed to falling test scores as evidence of the state’s educational shortcomings under Hochul’s leadership. “You’ve had five years, and the test scores have gone down, down, down,” he said, calling the trend “not acceptable.” He also referenced a controversial statement Hochul made in 2024 about “young black kids in The Bronx” allegedly lacking familiarity with computers, disputing the claim by asserting that students in the borough are far more tech-savvy than the governor.

“The fact is we have to support our children’s education and not put them down,” Blakeman added. “We have to elevate them.”

The event included remarks from Bronx community leader and educator Sheikh Musa Drammeh, who underscored New York’s low ranking in national education assessments. Citing data from U.S. News & World Report that placed New York 17th nationwide in education quality, Drammeh questioned how the state could lag despite its high investment in schooling. According to the figures presented, New York’s per-pupil spending reached nearly $40,000 in 2025, the highest in the country, yet such expenditure has not translated into commensurate academic gains.

Blakeman and Drammeh’s comments highlight ongoing debates about educational policy and funding effectiveness in New York. Critics argue that increased spending has not sufficiently improved student outcomes, while officials in the current administration have emphasized efforts to address systemic challenges. The debate remains central as voters prepare to select the state’s next governor in the upcoming election.