New York Republican governor candidate faces questions over the antigay company he keeps

A Republican candidate seeking to govern one of the nation's most influential states is facing growing criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and Democratic officials over his ties to politicians and activists who have opposed marriage equality, supported restrictions on LGBTQ+ visibility, and made remarks condemned as homophobic.Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a close ally of President Donald Trump who is running for governor of New York, has increasingly drawn scrutiny over campaign appearances and political relationships with conservative figures whose views on LGBTQ+ rights have sparked controversy.The criticism comes as LGBTQ+ rights remain a central flashpoint in American politics and as Republican candidates across the country continue to campaign on issues involving transgender rights, school policies, and public displays of LGBTQ+ identity.Related: Kathy Hochul vetos financial protection bill introduced after murders of gay menIf elected, Blakeman would lead a state that helped shape the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, legalized same-sex marriages years before the U.S. Supreme Court did, and recently expanded constitutional protections for LGBTQ+ people through a voter-approved Equal Rights Amendment in 2024.Democrats argue that Blakeman's political alliances raise questions about how he would approach those issues as governor."'100% MAGA' Bruce Blakeman is proving why he's Donald Trump's pick for New York governor: he'd rather fan the flames of bigotry, hatred, and straight up homophobia than stand up to Trump and MAGA," Hochul campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said in a statement to The Advocate. "Governor Kathy Hochul is fighting for the rights, freedoms, and dignity every New Yorker deserves, and she'll never back down to the far-right's attacks on LGBTQ+ New Yorkers."Among the relationships drawing scrutiny is Blakeman's recent appearance with Tennessee Republican Rep. Andy Ogles, who sparked bipartisan backlash after posting that "homosexuality h