President Donald Trump is set to take center stage in Syracuse today as he makes a high-profile visit to New York ahead of the state's midterm elections. The visit comes as political campaigns intensify across New York and other states in the final weeks before voters head to the polls.
While organizers have released only a limited schedule and location, Trump is expected to use the event to rally supporters and campaign on behalf of Republican candidates ahead of the November midterm elections. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is also expected to attend the event, according to published reports.
Follow our live coverage throughout the day for updates from the rally site.
Who is Todd Hood, Bruce Blakeman’s pick as lieutenant governor?
03:14 PM ET, October 9 2026, Casey PritchardMadison County Sheriff Todd Hood has campaigned across the state for
almost an entire year after Bruce Blakeman tabbed him as his pick for lieutenant governor.
Hood and Blakeman are expected to join Trump at the Oncenter.
Hood was elected as Madison sheriff in 2018. He has an extensive law enforcement background after graduating from the Mohawk Valley Police Academy in 1991 and has around 35 years of experience in law enforcement.
Hood spent 22 years with the Syracuse Police Department, first as a patrolman and later holding positions such as firearms instructor, S.W.A.T. supervisor and detective for the gang task force. He was deputized as a U.S. Marshal and was an investigator with the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office before being elected as sheriff in 2018.
A long line begins hours before the Syracuse event
03:05 PM ET, October 9 2026, Casey Pritchard
Reactions were mixed long before Trump's arrival on Friday.
A man and a woman standing outside the Syracuse Justice Center talked, with one loudly asking why "he" was bothering to come to New York. "Doesn't he know he's hated?"
Meanwhile, two men argued about standing in line, with one complaining that it would be a four-hour wait. "That’s why we gotta get in line, look how long it is already!'"
After 2 p.m., a sea of red hats, numbering close to 1,000, lined up to get into the Oncenter. Some read "USA," others the president's MAGA tagging, and others featured numbers like 2016, 2020, 2024, and at least a handful that said 2028.
A scene similar to fairgrounds was also emerging, with people pulling carts of MAGA and Trump merchandise, attempting to sell it to people in line.
While considered a midterm election rally, it seemed many of the people were there to see Trump. Many in line were wearing something with the president's name, face, slogan, or merchandise on their person. And those that weren't were happy to buy something from the people working the line to sell printed t-shirts or monogrammed hats.
What time does Trump's Syracuse rally start?
03:01 PM ET, October 9 2026, Madison Scott- 3 p.m. EDT: Doors open
- 5:30 p.m. EDT: Program begins
- 7 p.m. EDT: Trump remarks expected
Organizers have not released additional information about speakers, attendance expectations or security procedures. For more information, attendees can visit the event page published by the Republican Party.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Trump Syracuse visit draws attention across New York: Live updates
