{"id":3799,"date":"2026-02-12T16:57:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T21:57:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/nycpolitics\/will-todd-hood-be-blakemans-final-running-mate\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T13:08:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T18:08:46","slug":"will-todd-hood-be-blakemans-final-running-mate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/nycpolitics\/will-todd-hood-be-blakemans-final-running-mate\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Todd Hood Be Blakeman\u2019s Final Running Mate?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bruce Blakeman names Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as running mate, aiming to strengthen GOP appeal in upstate New York ahead of 2026 election.<\/em><\/p>\n

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has named Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as his lieutenant governor running mate, ending a brief period of uncertainty after his initial pick, Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino, withdrew. The announcement highlights the challenges Blakeman faces in consolidating support among upstate conservatives and navigating party dynamics ahead of the 2026 New York gubernatorial election.<\/p>\n

While Hood\u2019s selection provides stability for the Blakeman campaign, questions remain about whether he will remain the final running mate through the general election, and what impact his law enforcement background will have on the ticket\u2019s appeal.<\/p>\n

From Giardino to Hood: The Shift in Strategy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Blakeman initially courted Sheriff Richard Giardino of Fulton County as his lieutenant governor candidate. Giardino ultimately declined the offer, citing the difficulty of balancing a statewide campaign with his ongoing responsibilities as sheriff. This left the campaign scrambling to find a credible and regionally balanced alternative.<\/p>\n

The selection of Todd Hood reflects a strategic choice aimed at strengthening the ticket\u2019s appeal to upstate voters while reinforcing law-and-order messaging, a key talking point for the Blakeman campaign. Hood, a long-serving Madison County official, brings both administrative experience and regional familiarity that can resonate with suburban and rural voters.<\/p>\n

Who Is Todd Hood?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Todd Hood has served as Madison County Sheriff since 2018, having been re-elected in 2025. His career spans multiple law enforcement roles, including service with the Syracuse Police Department, New York State Parks Police, and the Onondaga County District Attorney\u2019s Office. This extensive background underscores his credentials in public safety and community engagement.<\/p>\n

Hood\u2019s public profile and experience provide the Blakeman campaign with an opportunity to appeal to voters concerned about crime, safety, and fiscal accountability, especially in areas outside of New York City. His involvement in Todd Hood\u2019s 2026 run signals a calculated effort to unify different factions of the Republican Party and present a credible alternative to Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.<\/p>\n

Why Todd Hood\u2019s 2026 Run Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The lieutenant governor position, while often low-profile, can influence campaign dynamics and voter perception. Hood\u2019s appointment has several key implications:<\/p>\n