Gun rights platforms, lawsuits lead NY governor's race this week
Emily Barnes New York State Team April 10, 2026, 3:01 a.m. ET
New York Governor's Race This Week is a weekly column by USA TODAY Network-New York reporters highlighting aspects of the 2026 campaign to lead the Empire State.
A national gun violence protection organization co-founded by former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochul and her running mate on Thursday, April 9.
GIFFORDS, which was founded after the Congresswoman was shot during a political event in Arizona in 2011, publicly announced its support for the incumbent and her choice for lieutenant governor, former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
“Throughout their careers, both Governor Hochul and Speaker Adams have proven their commitment to building safer communities and fighting gun violence, making them the leaders that New York needs right now. It is a privilege to support New York’s first all-women ticket, and I am proud to endorse both of these champions in the fight to save lives,” Giffords said.
“I know Governor Hochul and Speaker Adams will always stand up against gun lobby interests, prioritize community-based solutions and continue the fight for commonsense gun laws in New York. I look forward to continuing to partner with both as we work to keep children and families safe from New York City to Buffalo and beyond.”
Hochul said she's "deeply honored" to receive the organization's support.
"From the moment I stepped into office, I have made it my mission to keep every New Yorker safe — and we’ve made real progress, getting more than 10,000 illegal guns off our streets, cracking down on ghost guns, and working alongside Gabby Giffords to tackle gun violence," Hochul said.
"Congresswoman Giffords and I share the belief that commonsense gun safety laws save lives. Together, with the hard work of our partners across New York, we’ve made real progress in reducing violence and keeping families safe — with shootings dropping 60% since I took office in 2021 — but we know our work isn’t finished."
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Hochul's Republican challenger in New York's governor race, has differing views about gun rights. In a March 5 letter sent to second amendment supporters in New York, the gubernatorial candidate said he will issue an executive order to create a New York Constitutional Enforcement Task Group when he's elected "to vigorously defend the rights of law-abiding New Yorkers."
The group would review existing state regulations and enforcement policies; direct state agencies to align New York's enforcement practices with constitutional requirements; recommend reforms and coordinate with outside organizations to defend these objectives when necessary.
"This will not be a symbolic effort," Blakeman said in the signed letter. "It will be structured, deliberate, and results driven. You may rely on this commitment as a guarantee of immediate executive action when I am elected governor."
