NEW YORK (VINnews) — The New York Post editorial board issued endorsements Friday for three high-profile New York races, backing Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for governor, Saritha Komatireddy for attorney general and Rep. Mike Lawler for re-election in the 17th Congressional District.

The board argued that voters seeking improved public safety, lower costs and a check on progressive priorities should support the three candidates over their Democratic opponents. Early voting begins this weekend ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Governor: Bruce Blakeman Over Kathy Hochul

The Post endorsed Blakeman, citing his record on public safety and fiscal restraint as Nassau County executive. It noted that only about 40% of voters approve of Hochul’s performance in a recent Emerson poll, with 46% disapproving.

Hochul became governor after Andrew Cuomo’s resignation. The editorial described her tenure as marked by rising taxes and energy costs from green mandates, congestion pricing, housing constraints and limited changes to criminal-justice policies. It also criticized her sanctuary policies and alignment with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose anti-Israel statements have drawn strong criticism in Jewish communities.

Blakeman, the first Jewish county executive in Nassau history, has expanded police hiring, cooperated with federal immigration authorities and opposed sanctuary measures. He has proposed broad income-tax cuts for many households, an end to congestion pricing and the return of unspent green-energy funds to ratepayers. The Post highlighted his willingness to challenge Mamdani on crime, spending and anti-Israel rhetoric. Blakeman keeps a kosher home and attends an Orthodox synagogue in Atlantic Beach.

For real change and a better standard of living, vote Bruce Blakeman over hopeless incumbent Kathy Hochul. Read today’s cover here: https://t.co/fy5Elx6leJ https://t.co/uaTBWPrsy0

— New York Post (@nypost) October 23, 2026

Attorney General: Saritha Komatireddy Over Letitia James

The Post endorsed Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor, over incumbent Letitia James. Komatireddy has prosecuted terrorists, cartel members and cybercriminals and has served in senior nonpartisan roles. She has said she would prioritize cracking down on crime, fraud and corruption while using the attorney general’s full powers to improve public safety.

James has focused heavily on national political battles and progressive causes, according to the editorial, while felony assaults in New York City have risen substantially since she took office in 2019. The board noted her support for cashless bail, Raise the Age and other reforms, as well as criticism of her office’s handling of Medicaid fraud and police cases. Komatireddy, a mother of young twins, has cited personal experiences with crime affecting her family and community.

Congress (NY-17): Mike Lawler Over Cait Conley

In the Hudson Valley’s 17th District, the Post endorsed Lawler for re-election, describing him as a centrist with deep local roots who ranks among the more bipartisan members of Congress. He has worked to raise the SALT deduction cap and has pushed for permitting reform, opposition to top-down energy mandates and local control over data centers. He has also supported balanced immigration enforcement that prioritizes removing criminal noncitizens while addressing practical needs.

Challenger Cait Conley, an Army veteran, has been portrayed as more closely aligned with progressive positions on sanctuary policies and has faced questions about her ties to the district after time spent outside New York. The Post noted that Lawler pressed the antisemitism issue involving Mamdani during debates before Conley more clearly distanced herself. The board said Lawler’s independent record makes him the stronger choice for the district and the state.