Cattaraugus County Republican Leaders Attend Trump-Blakeman Rally in Syracuse

Chairman Mark Heberling and Vice Chair Courtney Spittler Join Enthusiastic Crowd at Packed Rally Focused on Affordability, Public Safety, and New York’s Future

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — October 10, 2026 — Cattaraugus County Republican Committee Chairman Mark Heberling and Vice Chair Courtney Spittler attended Friday’s rally featuring President Donald Trump and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman at The Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.

The October 9 event drew an enthusiastic crowd, with the venue packed with supporters, standing-room-only areas, and people waiting outside to enter. Republicans and supporters traveled from across New York State to hear from the president, candidates, and prominent figures ahead of November’s election.

The energy inside the venue was unmistakable. Despite New York’s reputation as a reliably Democratic state in statewide elections, the rally demonstrated the enthusiasm among Republicans and supporters eager to see a change in the state’s political direction.

During Blakeman’s speech, Cattaraugus County was recognized among those represented at the rally, acknowledging the county’s participation in the major statewide political event.

Heberling and Spittler joined a gathering that included Congressman Nick Langworthy, Tom Homan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and former Navy SEAL Robert J. O’Neill, widely known for his involvement in the 2011 mission that killed Osama bin Laden. Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson also appeared at the event.

Joseph Hernández, the Republican candidate for New York State comptroller, was also in attendance.

Todd Hood Addresses Crime and Public Safety

Republican lieutenant governor candidate Todd Hood addressed the crowd, emphasizing crime and public safety as important issues facing New York State.

Hood, a sheriff and longtime law enforcement professional, spoke about the importance of supporting law enforcement and addressing public safety concerns in communities throughout the state.

Crime, immigration enforcement, and the role of law enforcement were recurring themes throughout the rally. Speakers called for changes to state policies that they argue have made it more difficult to maintain public safety and cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

For communities throughout Western New York, including Cattaraugus County, these issues remain important topics of discussion among local officials, law enforcement agencies, and residents.

The rally also provided an opportunity for attendees to hear directly from public officials and national figures about the challenges facing New York and the policy changes Republicans are advocating.

A Memorable Moment with Tom Homan

Among the highlights of the day was a personal interaction witnessed by Chairman Heberling during a break between speakers.

According to Heberling, a crowd gathered around Tom Homan, the White House border czar, to thank him for his work. People took the opportunity to express their appreciation, offer words of encouragement, and ask for photographs.

One particularly memorable moment involved a young boy who approached Homan hoping to have his picture taken with him.

Homan not only agreed to take a photograph with the boy but also removed his American flag lapel pin and placed it on the boy’s shirt.

The gesture left a lasting impression on those who witnessed the interaction, including Heberling. What began as a simple request for a photograph became a meaningful memory for the young boy and his family.

The encounter illustrated a more personal side of the rally. Beyond the speeches and political messages, attendees had opportunities to meet public figures they admired and personally express their appreciation.

For Heberling, the moment stood out as an example of how a small gesture can make a lasting impression, particularly on a young person.

Affordability and High Energy Costs Take Center Stage

Another major theme of the rally was the rising cost of living in New York State, particularly high electricity prices and the growing financial burden facing families and businesses.

Blakeman criticized New York’s current energy policies, arguing that the state’s approach to green energy has contributed to higher costs for consumers and businesses. He emphasized the need to make New York more affordable and pledged to pursue policies aimed at reducing energy costs and improving reliability.

Blakeman has characterized certain state-mandated green-energy initiatives as a costly agenda that places an unnecessary financial burden on families, farmers, manufacturers, and employers. He has promised to challenge what he calls the “green energy scam” and move New York toward an energy policy that prioritizes affordability and reliability.

The message resonated with concerns facing many New Yorkers who are struggling with utility bills, housing expenses, taxes, and the overall cost of living.

For residents of Western New York, energy affordability is a particularly important issue. Cold winters, the cost of heating homes, and the electricity demands of local manufacturers and small businesses make reliable, affordable energy essential to the regional economy.

In Cattaraugus County, high utility costs can affect household budgets, agricultural operations, manufacturers, and businesses that provide jobs throughout the community.

Republicans at the rally argued that New York needs an energy strategy that protects consumers, supports economic growth, and allows businesses to compete with those in other states.

Blakeman has made lowering costs and changing the state’s energy direction central elements of his campaign message. His supporters see these issues as fundamental to improving the state’s economic outlook and making New York a more affordable place to live and work.

An Energized Crowd in a Traditionally Democratic State

The turnout at The Oncenter was another notable feature of Friday’s rally.

The packed venue, standing-room-only areas, and lines of people waiting outside reflected the level of interest surrounding the event. Inside, supporters enthusiastically responded to the speakers, displaying American flags and campaign signs and cheering messages about the future of New York.

The size and energy of the crowd were particularly striking in a state often characterized as a Democratic stronghold. The rally demonstrated that Republican supporters remain engaged and motivated as Election Day approaches.

President Trump spoke in support of Blakeman and other Republican candidates, urging voters to participate in November’s election. Blakeman outlined his priorities for New York, including affordability, public safety, economic growth, and a change in the state’s energy policies.

Hood’s comments on crime and public safety reinforced the campaign’s emphasis on law enforcement, while the presence of national figures underscored the importance Republicans are placing on the statewide election.

For Heberling and Spittler, attending the rally provided an opportunity to represent Cattaraugus County Republicans at a major political gathering and hear directly from the candidates and national figures involved in the campaign.

The recognition of Cattaraugus County during Blakeman’s remarks was also a moment of local significance, highlighting the county’s participation in the statewide Republican effort.

Looking Ahead to November

With Election Day approaching, the Syracuse rally brought together Republican leaders, candidates, and supporters from across New York to discuss the issues they believe will shape the state’s future.

Affordability, high electricity prices, crime, public safety, immigration enforcement, and economic competitiveness emerged as central themes throughout the event.

For Cattaraugus County Republicans, the rally provided an opportunity to stand alongside party leaders from across the state and demonstrate the county’s continued involvement in statewide political efforts.

The enthusiastic turnout sent a clear message about the determination of those attending to make their voices heard in November. In a state where Republicans face significant challenges in statewide elections, the packed venue and energized crowd offered an encouraging display of political engagement among supporters.