Senator Ted Cruz urged New York voters to reject incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul in the upcoming November 3 gubernatorial election, calling for a change in what he described as “New York values.” Speaking on WABC’s “Cats Roundtable,” the Texas Republican endorsed Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, and encouraged the state’s electorate to “shock the country” by voting against Hochul.

Cruz criticized the current direction of the Democratic Party, asserting that its leadership has become radicalized and hostile toward the United States. He framed the election as a pivotal moment for Democrats to recalibrate, suggesting that a defeat for Hochul could serve as a catalyst for the party’s return to more moderate positions. “They don’t love America. They hate America. They’re trying to destroy it,” Cruz said, emphasizing the need for a resounding rejection of the party’s current trajectory through the gubernatorial election.

Despite Cruz’s call to action, recent polls indicate that Hochul maintains a comfortable lead over Blakeman as the race approaches. The governor’s campaign has benefited from strong support in the state’s urban centers and ongoing efforts to address issues such as public safety, economic recovery, and infrastructure development. Blakeman, meanwhile, has positioned himself as a conservative alternative aiming to shift New York’s political landscape.

The November election has drawn national attention due to the symbolic significance of New York in broader political discourse. Cruz’s intervention highlights the heightened stakes perceived by both parties, as Democrats seek to maintain control of the governorship while Republicans aim to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction.

Both campaigns continue to mobilize supporters in the weeks leading to Election Day, with New Yorkers facing a choice that some view as a statement on the direction of not only their state but the country as a whole.