Blakeman, Koslow clash in heated Nassau County executive debate

From the opening statements, the tension was palpable. The two candidates talked over each other and exchanged sharp attacks while discussing issues ranging from crime and taxes to government transparency.

Kevin Vesey

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Oct 23, 2025, 1:14 AM

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Updated 3 hr ago

The race for Nassau County executive reached a boiling point Wednesday as Republican incumbent Bruce Blakeman and Democratic challenger Legislator Seth Koslow faced off in a fiery News 12 Vote 2025 debate.

From the opening statements, the tension was palpable. The two candidates talked over each other and exchanged sharp attacks while discussing issues ranging from crime and taxes to government transparency.

On the issue of public safety, Blakeman accused Koslow of supporting cashless bail.

“He’s pro-criminal,” Blakeman said. “This is the guy who supports cashless bail. He wants to expunge criminal records.”

Koslow pushed back hard, criticizing Blakeman’s record on fiscal management and accusing the county executive of misusing taxpayer money.

BLOG: Nassau County executive debate - Blakeman vs. Koslow MORE: Watch News 12's Nassau County executive debate on YouTube

“He’s wasting our tax dollars—millions of dollars on no-bid contracts, millions of dollars in legal fees to defend his terrible actions as county executive,” Koslow charged.

The heated tone continued throughout the debate, with Blakeman asserting that he runs Nassau County “like a business,” while Koslow accused the incumbent of corruption and cronyism.

“He has no plan because he’s getting richer,” Koslow said. “All of his buddies are. That’s corruption, and that’s what he’s doing.”

Blakeman fired back, warning that electing Koslow would lead to “more crime, higher taxes, and lower home values.”

Both campaigns held viewing parties as the debate aired on News 12.

The full debate is available to watch below. It will re-air Sunday at 11 a.m. on News 12.

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