Story perspectives

Blakeman Picks Sheriff Hood, Trump Backs GOP Candidate

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate, selected Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as his running mate for the 2026 race against Gov. Kathy Hochul.
This followed Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino's rejection of the lieutenant governor nomination due to balancing campaigning with his duties.
Blakeman is expected to secure the GOP nomination at the upcoming convention.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorses Blakeman.
Hochul's campaign mocked Blakeman's running-mate changes, signaling campaign instability.

History

Historical Context

The 1964 Republican National Convention, held from July 13-16 in San Francisco, marked a pivotal shift towards conservatism as Barry Goldwater was nominated amid fierce divisions between moderates and conservatives. His acceptance speech famously declared, "extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice," alienating many moderates and foreshadowing the party's future challenges, including the endorsement dynamics seen in Bruce Blakeman's campaign today.

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Story summary

Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate, selected Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as his running mate for the 2026 race against Gov. Kathy Hochul.
This followed Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino's rejection of the lieutenant governor nomination due to balancing campaigning with his duties.
Blakeman is expected to secure the GOP nomination at the upcoming convention.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorses Blakeman.
Hochul's campaign mocked Blakeman's running-mate changes, signaling campaign instability.

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