With just hours to go before the first and only gubernatorial debate, supporters on Long Island are preparing to watch Gov. Kathy Hochul and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman face off on issues impacting New Yorkers.

News 12 was at a debate watch party in Franklin Square, where attendees were beginning to arrive ahead of the highly anticipated showdown.

Hochul enters the debate leading in recent polls by roughly 10 to 12 points. Meanwhile, Blakeman has been campaigning across the state in the final stretch of the race, including appearing with President Donald Trump at a rally in Syracuse on Friday.

Local political leaders say affordability, taxes and public safety are expected to be among the major topics discussed during the debate.

“The bottom line is for Long Island, it's about property taxes in general, affordability, energy costs and the rest,” said Jay Jacobs, Nassau County and New York State Democratic chairman. “She's been fighting for alternative sources of energy, both for Long Island and the state.”

John Ferretti, the Town of Hempstead supervisor, said voters are focused on quality of life concerns.

“Whether you live in the city, upstate, downstate, that's what people want,” Ferretti said. “They want affordable, safe homes and communities. That's what Bruce Blakeman has brought to Nassau County.”

The debate marks the only scheduled meeting between the two gubernatorial candidates before Election Day.