Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) took issue with Rep. Lee Zeldin’s (R-NY) concern about crime in the state.
During the New York gubernatorial debate Tuesday, Zeldin pointed out “halfway through the debate” Hochul “still hasn’t talked about locking up anyone committing any crimes.”
She replied, “Anyone who commits a crime under our laws, especially with the change we made to bail, has consequences. I don’t know why that’s so important to you. All I know is that we can do more.”
Watch the exchange below:
MUST WATCH…Why are Dems in trouble in NY Gov? This attitude toward crime and safety
— Jesse Hunt (@JJHunt10) October 25, 2022
Zeldin: She still hasn't talked about locking up anyone committing any crimes
Hochul: Anyone who commits a crime under our laws…has consequences…I don't know why that's so important to you pic.twitter.com/uO3Vkf83OC
The New York Times pointed out Zeldin repeatedly used crime as a point of attack against his opponent.
He claimed New Yorkers were “less safe thanks to Kathy Hochul and extreme policies.”
According to the Times’ report, the number of murders and shootings in New York City decreased by roughly 14% through Sunday compared with the same period of time in 2021.
However, other serious crimes, including robbery, rape and felony assault, have spiked, citing police statistics.
Meanwhile, Hochul took aim at Zeldin for his position on abortion.
“You’re the only person standing on this stage whose name right now — not years past — that right now, is on a bill called ‘Life Begins at Conception,’” Hochul said.
Calling it a “frightening spectacle,” Hochul added, “Women need to know that that’s on the ballot this November as well.”
Zeldin later said he heard “from a number of people who consider themselves to be pro-choice, who are not happy here that their tax dollars are being used to fund abortions, many, many, many states away.”
CNN noted the race appears to be tightening as Hochul’s lead has dropped to single digits in one survey.
In August 2021, Hochul took office as the first female governor of New York after former Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation.
“I’ll tell New Yorkers I’m up to the task. And I’m really proud to be able to serve as their governor and I won’t let them down,” she said at the time.