Correction Officers Union Endorsed Bruce Blakeman
The union backed Blakeman after pledging to repeal solitary confinement restrictions amid a prison crisis.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Unions
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The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association has voted to endorse Bruce Blakeman for governor. The union cited rising violence in understaffed facilities as a primary driver for withdrawing support from Governor Kathy Hochul.
Why it matters
Correction officers argue that current solitary confinement restrictions have fueled unsafe conditions inside state prisons. The union seeks a policy shift to restore previous disciplinary measures and halt the ongoing closure of state facilities.
The union vote passed with 1,380 members in favor and 78 opposed. Meanwhile, the average stay at Rikers Island has climbed to 116 days, up from 87 days.
The players
Bruce Blakeman
He is a political candidate for governor who has promised to repeal solitary confinement restrictions.
Kathy Hochul
She is the current Governor of New York who faced a loss of support from the state correction officers union.
New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association
This labor organization represents correctional officers and police staff across the state.
Kim Strawbrich
She is a correction officer who was attacked by inmates at the Groveland Correctional Facility.
The details
Bruce Blakeman plans to repeal the HALT Act restrictions, increase officer pay, and stop the closure of state prisons if elected. The union pointed to the recent assault of officer Kim Strawbrich at Groveland Correctional Facility as a flashpoint in the ongoing crisis.
Timeline
In spring 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul dismissed approximately 2,000 correction officers.
On September 15, 2026, Bruce Blakeman announced his corrections policy and received the union endorsement.
Political Context
The campaign pledge to repeal these specific restrictions marks a direct legislative challenge to the existing HALT Act mandate. Opposition groups argue that repealing these protections could lead to human rights concerns and reverse years of reform efforts within the penal system.
Residents may see a change in prison staffing levels or security protocols if the proposed policy changes are enacted by a new administration. These shifts could influence local tax allocations as the state balances the cost of pay increases against current prison operational needs.
The takeaway
The union's endorsement highlights the significant tension between current prison reform legislation and the safety concerns voiced by correction staff. Voters will ultimately decide whether to prioritize the rollback of these reforms in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Further reading
For more background on organized labor in the state, visit New York Unions.
Live Poll
Should the state repeal solitary confinement restrictions to improve safety for corrections staff?
