Exclusive | Bruce Blakeman blasts Hochul, Mamdani over pied-à-terre tax proposal: 'Losing businesses and jobs each and every day'

April 29, 2026 - 04:33

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican candidate for governor, launched a sharp critique of Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams over their revived proposal for a pied-à-terre tax. In a recent interview, Blakeman argued that the tax, which would target owners of secondary residences valued over $5 million, would further cripple an already struggling local economy.

“We are losing businesses and jobs each and every day,” Blakeman stated, emphasizing that the tax would drive wealthy residents and corporations out of the state. He accused Hochul and Adams of prioritizing punitive revenue measures over fostering a business-friendly environment. The proposal, which has been floated in various forms in recent years, aims to generate funds for the city’s struggling transit system. However, Blakeman warned that it would backfire, leading to a mass exodus of high-net-worth individuals who contribute significantly to the tax base.

Blakeman’s comments come as New York faces an ongoing affordability crisis and a slow post-pandemic recovery. He argued that instead of taxing empty luxury apartments, the state should focus on cutting regulations and reducing property taxes to attract investment. “This is not a solution; it’s a punishment for success,” he added, vowing to oppose the measure if elected governor. The debate highlights the deepening divide between progressive tax strategies and pro-growth economic policies in New York politics.