Blakeman Gala Appearance with Anti-Muslim Rep. Ogles Sparks Controversy

New York, NY – Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican gubernatorial hopeful, is slated to deliver the keynote address at the Metropolitan Republican Club's annual gala on Friday evening. The event has drawn scrutiny due to the scheduled honoring of Representative Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican known for his anti-Muslim rhetoric, with the club's Ronald Reagan Award for the Advancement of Individual Liberty.

The convergence of Blakeman and Ogles at the high-profile New York event highlights a perceived shift in Blakeman's public alignment, particularly as he campaigns for statewide office. Blakeman has previously cultivated an image of inclusivity within Nassau County, notably welcoming Muslim residents, participating in Ramadan Iftar dinners, and appointing the first Muslim chaplain to the county's police force. His past remarks have underscored the value of Muslims as constituents and Americans.

However, Representative Ogles holds a notably contrasting public record. He has been a leading voice in Washington advocating for the "denaturalization" and "deportation" of individuals like New York City Council Member Zohran Mamdani. Ogles has publicly stated, "Muslims don't belong in American society," and referred to Mamdani as "Little Muhammad," claiming that "denaturalizations and deportations are the only way to save the Big Apple." His controversial statements extend to remarks made at a New York Young Republican Club gala in December, where he asserted that "naturalized illegal immigrants are polluting our politics" and that "the new right must have courage to deport them."

Blakeman's campaign team has declined to comment on Ogles' past statements or the gubernatorial candidate's decision to appear alongside the Tennessee Congressman. This silence comes as Blakeman, who secured an easy re-election in Nassau County last year amidst a challenging political landscape for New York Republicans, frequently emphasizes his electability based on his performance in the purple county.

The Metropolitan Republican Club, hosting the gala where tickets start at $321, is often considered a more mainstream entity compared to the city's New York Young Republican Club, which faced controversy and subsequently saw the statewide New York State Young Republicans disband following reports of racist, homophobic, and antisemitic chats.

Other notable attendees expected at the gala include former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Council Member Vickie Paladino, and pro-Israel influencer Emily Austin. Representative Ogles, who sent a letter to the Department of Justice in October requesting Mamdani's denaturalization, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the event or his past remarks. He is reportedly facing his own political challenges, including a Democratic challenger gaining fundraising traction and federal scrutiny over potential campaign finance violations.

Husein Yatabarry, executive director of the Muslim Community Network, voiced concerns about the potential impact of such rhetoric on the state's approximately 1.7 million Muslim residents. He told Playbook, "It's sad to see that a lot of politicians are leaning into xenophobia and Islamaphobia and not looking at Muslims as part of their community's fabric, but looking at Muslims as a way to get the most rude and heinous people behind you as a candidate."

This appearance is not the first time Blakeman has been associated with figures from the more extreme factions of the Republican Party. He previously served as keynote speaker at an event honoring John Eastman, an attorney recently disbarred for his role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Furthermore, when Blakeman's running mate, Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, spoke at a political club led by an individual who referred to Mayor Mamdani as "vermin," Blakeman issued a statement calling Mamdani "a disgrace," "anti-American, antisemitic, and anti-Cop."