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Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino has rejected a nomination that would have made him the running mate of Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman in New York's upcoming election.
Giardino announced his decision on Monday (February 9), citing his commitment to his current position and constituents.
"After thinking it over, I have an obligation to my staff and the people of Fulton County," Giardino said. He added that he wants to focus on his own re-election campaign next year rather than embarking on a statewide race.
The rejection came on the same day as the New York state Republican nominating convention began on Long Island. According to City & State New York, news of Blakeman's intention to select Giardino had leaked on Sunday, but by Monday morning, Giardino had withdrawn his name from consideration.
Giardino reportedly felt he couldn't balance campaigning full-time while serving as sheriff, believing it "wouldn't be fair to the people who elected him," according to Spectrum News.
Following Giardino's withdrawal, Blakeman quickly pivoted to Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as his lieutenant governor candidate. Hood, who has been sheriff of the Central New York county since 2018, accepted the position.
"Sheriff Todd Hood has spent his career protecting communities, managing complex public safety operations, and standing up for law-abiding New Yorkers," Blakeman said in a statement announcing his new running mate.
The situation created some awkwardness for Blakeman, who had previously criticized Governor Kathy Hochul for reportedly having difficulty finding a running mate. The state Republican Party had earlier mocked Hochul when reports emerged that potential candidates had turned down her offers.
Hood brings significant law enforcement experience to the ticket, having served with the Madison County Sheriff's Office, New York state Parks Police, and the Syracuse Police Department throughout his career. He was recently reelected as Madison County sheriff in 2025.
A formal nomination for the Blakeman-Hood ticket is expected to take place Wednesday at the Republican convention on Long Island.