ALBANY, N.Y. — A Democratic candidate seeking to take the vacant seat of former Rep. Elise Stefanik in New York’s 21st Congressional District is facing backlash after audio surfaced of him making disparaging remarks about North Country workers, correctional officers, and local youth.
In the recording, the Blake Gendebien is heard criticizing local labor, claiming that white New Yorkers struggle with alcoholism, domestic issues, and poor work ethic. “There’s just no labor force out there, it’s just awful,” he reportedly said, adding that local employees often “show up late” and “drink too much.”
The remarks extended to correctional officers, whom he claimed “don’t have much self-worth,” and North Country children, whom he described as lacking “practical independence” and an “ability to think.”
He even bragged about bailing a criminal illegal alien out of jail, so he can have a farm worker during the Christmas weekend, so Blake could spend his holiday with his family. That Christmas, Carlos, worked the farm, but he wasn’t in jail.
The controversy has intensified scrutiny on the candidate’s record, with opponents tying him to progressive policies championed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and President Joe Biden.
He has also faced criticism for previously bailing out an undocumented worker detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and for donating to former Democratic candidate Tedra Cobb, who was criticized for supporting gun restrictions and tax increases.
