Bruce Blakeman, the Republican nominee for New York governor, largely stood by controversial comments comparing Democratic congressional candidate Brad Lander to a Nazi concentration camp guard, sparking swift condemnation from Governor Kathy Hochul and other New York officials. Both Blakeman and Lander are Jewish.
The remarks came during a Newsmax interview on Wednesday, June 25, 2026, one day after Lander, the former New York City comptroller, won the Democratic primary in New York’s 10th Congressional District by defeating Representative Dan Goldman.
Main Developments
During the Wednesday interview, Blakeman called Lander antisemitic and made the inflammatory comparison that drew immediate backlash across New York’s political landscape.
“Even though he’s Jewish, this guy would be a camp guard in the concentration camp if he could,” Blakeman said during the Newsmax appearance.
On Thursday, June 26, 2026, when responding to NBC News, Blakeman softened his language slightly but maintained his criticism of Lander.
“Maybe camp guard was too strong, but certainly collaborator as Brad Lander turned his back on the Jewish community when he locked arms with the extremists who want to wipe Israel off the map,” Blakeman stated.
Lander, who is a close ally of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, responded directly to the accusations.
“I don’t know where Bruce Blakeman went to Hebrew school, but I was taught that ‘Never Again!’ means never again to anyone. Standing up for Palestinian human rights doesn’t make me any less proud to be Jewish, or any less serious about fighting antisemitism,” Lander said.
What We Know So Far
The controversy centers on Blakeman’s characterization of Lander as antisemitic, despite both men being Jewish. President Donald Trump endorsed Blakeman last year, positioning him as the Republican challenger to Governor Kathy Hochul in the November election.
Lander secured his victory in the 10th Congressional District primary on Tuesday, June 24, 2026, defeating incumbent Representative Dan Goldman. The race saw involvement from major pro-Israel organizations, with J Street supporting both Goldman and Lander, while AIPAC backed Goldman.
Governor Hochul, who faces Blakeman in the gubernatorial race, issued a sharp rebuke of her opponent’s Holocaust comparison.
“Every single time Bruce Blakeman opens up his mouth, he’s simply auditioning for his next role in the Trump administration after he loses the election,” Hochul said, adding that the comments disqualify him from public office.
Officials Condemn Holocaust Comparison
Multiple New York officials spoke out against Blakeman’s use of Holocaust imagery in political discourse.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who is the daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, issued a particularly personal condemnation.
“As the daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I know firsthand the profound suffering my family experienced. The Holocaust must never be used as a rhetorical device in our politics, and this kind of moral equivalence is unacceptable,” Menin stated.
U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New York, delivered one of the strongest rebukes, invoking the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust.
“I’ve known Brad Lander for years, and he will make an excellent Member of Congress. For Bruce Blakeman to invoke the Holocaust to smear a fellow Jewish man is beyond the pale — it is a grotesque desecration of the memory of six million Jews. These comments are disqualifying, and they show exactly why Bruce Blakeman must never be Governor of New York,” Nadler said.
Political Context of the Controversy
The exchange highlights divisions within the Jewish community regarding Israel policy. Blakeman characterized Lander as someone who “locked arms with the extremists who want to wipe Israel off the map,” though this represents Blakeman’s characterization of Lander’s positions.
Lander’s response emphasized his Jewish identity and his interpretation of the Holocaust’s lessons, arguing that supporting Palestinian human rights is compatible with his Jewish faith and his commitment to fighting antisemitism.
The controversy comes as Blakeman prepares for his gubernatorial campaign against Hochul, who will defend her seat in the November election. Trump’s endorsement of Blakeman last year linked the Nassau County executive to the broader Republican political apparatus.
What Happens Next
Lander will advance to the general election as the Democratic nominee for New York’s 10th Congressional District after his primary victory over Goldman. The November election will determine whether he joins Congress.
Blakeman continues his campaign for governor, with the November election serving as the ultimate test of whether the Holocaust comparison and subsequent controversy will affect his candidacy against Hochul.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is among those monitoring developments in New York’s political landscape as the campaign season intensifies.
Important Details
The timeline of events is as follows: On Tuesday, June 24, 2026, Lander won the Democratic primary in New York’s 10th Congressional District. On Wednesday, June 25, 2026, Blakeman made his original comments during the Newsmax interview. On Thursday, June 26, 2026, Blakeman responded to NBC News and slightly modified his language while maintaining his criticism.
Both Blakeman and Lander are Jewish, making Blakeman’s comparison of a fellow Jewish person to a Nazi collaborator particularly controversial. Officials from across New York’s political spectrum have characterized the remarks as inappropriate use of Holocaust imagery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Bruce Blakeman say about Brad Lander?
Blakeman said during a Newsmax interview that Lander, despite being Jewish, “would be a camp guard in the concentration camp if he could.” He later softened this to “collaborator” while maintaining his criticism.
Are both Bruce Blakeman and Brad Lander Jewish?
Yes, both men are Jewish, which made Blakeman’s Holocaust comparison particularly controversial among New York officials and representatives.
What position is Bruce Blakeman running for?
Blakeman is the Republican nominee for governor of New York. He is running against incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul in the November election. President Trump endorsed Blakeman last year.
What election did Brad Lander win?
Lander won the Democratic primary in New York’s 10th Congressional District on Tuesday, June 24, 2026, defeating incumbent Representative Dan Goldman.
The controversy surrounding Blakeman’s comments continues to generate responses from New York officials as both candidates prepare for their respective November elections.
