One of Times Square’s most recognizable street performers has waded into New York’s gubernatorial race, delivering his endorsement through an original song criticizing the state’s current leadership.
Robert Burck, better known to tourists and New Yorkers alike as the “Naked Cowboy,” announced his support for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman in a video posted to social media by the candidate himself. The endorsement came in the form of a musical performance featuring Burck strumming a guitar decorated with “Bruce Blakeman for Governor” stickers.
“Even the Naked Cowboy wants to Fire Kathy Hochul,” Blakeman wrote in his post sharing the endorsement video.
In the video, Burck performed an original song taking aim at Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul’s record on issues ranging from border policy to public safety to fiscal management. The performance represents an unconventional campaign boost for Blakeman as he challenges the incumbent governor.
Musical Criticism of Hochul’s Record
The Naked Cowboy’s song didn’t pull punches in its assessment of Hochul’s tenure. “New York is tired of the games and the tax. It’s time for a leader who sticks to the facts,” Burck sang in the video. “While Albany stumbles, and wastes every dime, Bruce Blakeman is ready to crack down on crime.”
The street performer’s lyrics accused Hochul of pushing a “radical scheme of left-wing delusion, a bureaucrat’s dream.” He criticized her positions on immigration and fiscal policy, singing that “she opens up the borders and lets the bills rise, while working-class New Yorkers pay for her lies.”
Before launching into his musical endorsement, Burck addressed viewers directly. “Hey guys, Naked Cowboy again, endorsing Bruce Blakeman for governor,” he said. “Get out the vote, get out there. I wrote a little humble song about it anyway.”
Praising Blakeman’s Vision
The performance wasn’t solely focused on criticism of the incumbent. Burck’s song also promoted Blakeman’s policy positions, describing the Republican candidate as having “a vision, a practical mind” who wants to “leave these reckless, wild policies behind.”
“He’ll lower your tax bills and cut the waste, bring common sense back to the governor’s place,” the Naked Cowboy sang, concluding that “the choice is clear” between Blakeman and Hochul.
Immigration Clash at Recent Debate
The endorsement comes amid heightened tension between the candidates over immigration enforcement. According to Breitbart News, Blakeman and Hochul clashed earlier in October during a debate over the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New York.
During that debate, Hochul declared that “ICE is out of control, it’s out of control in Nassau County,” where Blakeman currently serves as county executive. She cited the case of an 11-year-old boy who reportedly cried after his father was detained in an ICE raid.
Blakeman rejected what he characterized as an emotional appeal, pointing out that ICE has removed more than 2,000 illegal migrants with criminal convictions from Nassau County. He argued that cooperation with federal immigration authorities has made the streets safer in his jurisdiction.
The Republican candidate maintained that there has been no unrest, violence, or incidents at schools, hospitals, or churches as ICE conducted operations in Nassau County, and he defended his policy of local government cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Growing Celebrity Support
The Naked Cowboy isn’t the only entertainment figure to publicly back Blakeman’s campaign. Actor and comedian Michael Rapaport recently revealed that he cast his vote for the Republican challenger over Hochul.
The endorsements signal an effort by Blakeman’s campaign to build support beyond traditional Republican constituencies in a state where Democrats typically hold significant advantages in statewide races.
Blakeman Touts His Advantage
In an appearance on Breitbart News Daily in August, Blakeman argued that he holds an advantage over previous Republican challengers to Hochul. He noted that when now-Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin ran against her, Hochul “didn’t have a report card then” because she had only recently become governor following Andrew Cuomo’s resignation.
“I have a big advantage over Lee Zeldin because when he ran four years ago, Kathy Hochul didn’t have a report card,” Blakeman explained. “She had just become governor because Cuomo had left, and she was lieutenant governor.”
The Nassau County executive highlighted what he described as New York’s deteriorating economic position under Hochul’s leadership. “Right now, we are the most overtaxed state in the United States of America. We’re the most overregulated state,” Blakeman said.
He also pointed to rising energy costs, stating that New York’s “electric bills are 70 percent higher than the national average.”
The Naked Cowboy’s Political History
While the Naked Cowboy is primarily known as a Times Square fixture who performs in his underwear, cowboy boots, and hat while playing guitar for tips from tourists, this isn’t his first foray into politics. Burck has periodically made political statements and endorsements over his years as a New York City street performer.
His latest endorsement video, complete with campaign stickers on his guitar, represents a colorful addition to what promises to be a contentious gubernatorial race in New York. Whether the support of one of Times Square’s most photographed performers will translate into electoral advantage for Blakeman remains to be seen as the campaign continues.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/10/31/times-squares-naked-cowboy-endorses-republican-bruce-blakeman-for-new-york-governor-time-for-a-leader-who-sticks-to-the-facts/