In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul faced backlash for wearing a hijab during a visit to the Islamic Cultural Center of New York. This incident occurred shortly before the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, leading to criticism from conservative commentators and Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman, who labeled her 'Hijab Hochul.' Muslim leaders condemned Blakeman's remarks as Islamophobic and demanded an apology, while Hochul's campaign defended her actions as respectful of all faiths.
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