Blakeman picks up an endorsement from former Queens Council Member Bob Holden and pitches himself as a "pro-choice Republican" Democrats can back; Hochul campaign calls the endorsement phony, noting Holden has run on the GOP line

Published Sept. 23 (7:50 PM ET), after the prior refresh window. Campaign stop at Middle Village Bagels in Queens. Blakeman repeated his claims that NY utility bills are 70% above the national average and that Hochul approved 48 rate hikes (campaign claims, not independently verified here). Holden said opposition to the Interborough Express and the housing that would come with it could be turned into Blakeman votes. Hochul spokesman Ryan Radulovacki: "earn your support, don't fake it." NY1 cites Independent Voter Project data: Democrats 47.6% vs. Republicans 22.6% of registered voters.