Gov. Kathy Hochul and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman went head-to-head in a debate Tuesday night and discussed many key issues, including affordability and ICE enforcement.
Long Islanders are now reacting to the debate and say many of these issues are important to them as they prepare to cast their ballots.
As for affordability, Hochul says New Yorkers are struggling with the rising costs of groceries, tariffs, utilities and gas.
She pointed to some initiatives from her term, like sending $200 rebate checks to qualifying residents for utility bills.
She also tied Blakeman to President Donald Trump's tariffs.
Meanwhile, Blakeman agreed that New Yorkers are struggling. He pointed to his record as county executive, saying he's never raised property taxes in Nassau County and he promises if elected, to continue to cut costs.
Long Islanders say any relief would help, especially with utility bills.
"Winter is coming and it's not going to get any easier, so something's got to get done along the way," says Ron Lagnado, a Plainview resident.
As for ICE enforcement, Blakeman said working with ICE has made Nassau safer, pointing to violent crimes involving a man accused of killing one woman in Valley Stream and another in Island Park.
However, Hochul countered that federal agents had gone too far, citing incidents in Hempstead and East Meadow.