Tioga County, NY Republican Committee

10/31/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JD1vvhvxK/

10/31/2026

10/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2026

Contact:
Dan Kranz

Hernandez for New York
(315) 751-1771

[email protected]

HERNANDEZ PLEDGES TO AUDIT THE CITY OF BUFFALO AFTER 19% PROPERTY TAX HIKE

BUFFALO, NY — Republican candidate for State Comptroller Joseph Hernandez today stood alongside Erie County Republican Chairman Michael Kracker and pledged to audit the City of Buffalo on his first day in office, following Mayor Sean Ryan’s 19% property tax levy increase this year.

The city faces a $109 million structural gap and is now seeking over $20 million in emergency bonding. In May, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office reviewed Buffalo’s finances and confirmed the deficit. Just weeks later, the tax hike passed.

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Hernandez stands outside Buffalo City Hall with Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Michael Kracker and Republican candidate for NYS Assembly District 149, Frank Bogulski.

“Buffalo homeowners are paying 19% more this year in property taxes, and our comptroller has done nothing to help,” said Hernandez. “DiNapoli has released report after report without using the powers of his office to audit, root out waste and fraud, and look out for taxpayers. On Day One, I will order a comprehensive audit of the City of Buffalo to stop Mayor Ryan’s atrocious attack on taxpayers.”

When asked about DiNapoli’s response to the levy increase, Hernandez said, “Tom has been a lapdog, not a watchdog, in Albany for the last 20 years.”

Hernandez emphasized his commitment to putting taxpayers ahead of party politics, particularly in Western New York. “Families in Buffalo and across Western New York deserve a comptroller who will stand up for them, hold local governments accountable, and make sure their hard-earned money is being spent responsibly,” said Hernandez.

“Buffalo families opened their wallets this year to a 19% hike. Kathy Hochul's comptroller reported the damage and let homeowners take the hit," said Chairman Kracker. “Joseph Hernandez is promising to walk into City Hall, follow the money, and stop the freefall. After 19 years of DiNapoli, Western New York deserves a Comptroller who actually does the work.”

10/30/2026

$840,000 in campaign contributions from law firms that represent the pension fund.

That’s quite a receipt, Tom DiNapoli.

New Yorkers deserve to know: Who is their Comptroller really working for?

10/30/2026

10/30/2026

I'm proud to earn the endorsement from the New York Post. I’ll never stop fighting for secure borders, American energy independence, and an economy that respects hardworking New Yorkers. While Kathy Hochul holds our state back, I’ll keep fighting to move us forward.

10/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2026

CONTACT: Madison Spanodemos, [email protected], 516-286-1539

Blakeman Signs No-New-Taxes Pledge, Challenges Tax-Hiking Hochul to Do the Same

Blakeman Pledges No New Taxes, No Hidden Tax Hikes, and No New Inheritance Taxes as Governor

Nassau County Executive and candidate for Governor Bruce Blakeman today signed the New York State Taxpayer Protection & Tax Relief Pledge, promising no new taxes, no hidden tax hikes, and no new inheritance taxes as Governor. Blakeman challenged Governor Kathy Hochul to make the same commitment.

“Kathy Hochul has never met a tax she didn't like, and Zohran Mamdani has never met one he didn't want to raise,” Blakeman said. “Hochul has made New York the highest-taxed state in America, approved 48 utility rate hikes, and driven the cost of living through the roof. Now, with Mamdani calling the shots and demanding even higher taxes, the worst is yet to come. I signed this pledge to draw a hard line against tax hikes. I challenge Kathy Hochul to sign it, too—or admit to voters that another four years will bring new taxes, reckless spending, and more broken promises.”

The pledge states,
“New York has one of the nation's highest state and local tax burdens, some of America's highest electricity costs, and ranks 50th out of 50 states in the Tax Foundation's 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index.

New Yorkers need tax relief, not additional tax burdens. As a candidate for Governor of New York State, I pledge to:

1. NO TAX INCREASES

Oppose and veto increases in income taxes, property taxes, energy taxes, and government-imposed fees or surcharges designed to circumvent this pledge.

2. NO HIDDEN PROPERTY TAX INCREASES

Oppose unfunded state mandates, cost shifts, and government actions that directly or indirectly cause income taxes or local property taxes to rise.

3. NO NEW INHERITANCE OR ESTATE TAXES

Oppose any new inheritance tax or expansion of New York's estate tax, including proposals advanced or supported by Zohran Mamdani.

4. NEW REVENUE FOR TAX RELIEF — NOT NEW SPENDING

Dedicate additional state revenues, subject to existing legal obligations and required fiscal reserves, to:

• Income Tax Relief

• Property Tax Relief

• Energy Tax Relief

Rather than creating new spending programs.

5. RESTORE NEW YORK'S COMPETITIVENESS

Reduce government-imposed costs, restrain spending, eliminate waste, and make New York more affordable for families, seniors, homeowners, and businesses.

MY PLEDGE TO NEW YORKERS

NO HIGHER TAXES. NO HIDDEN TAX INCREASES. NO NEW INHERITANCE TAXES. NEW REVENUE FOR TAX RELIEF — NOT NEW SPENDING.

I make this commitment publicly and pledge to uphold it as Governor of New York State.”

10/29/2026

OWEGO, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) -Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman started a 5 stop, 1 day barnstorming tour of the Southern Tier in Owego this morning. Blakeman joined Republican Congressm…