NEW YORK, NY – GNUSA
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced on December 9 that he is running for Governor of New York, joining Rep. Elise Stefanik in the GOP primary.
Blakeman launched his gubernatorial campaign with a video highlighting his record and pledging to “put New York first.” He pointed to promises made during his tenure in Nassau County: rejecting sanctuary policies, lifting mask mandates for children, and holding the line on taxes. “We haven’t raised taxes one penny. We are the safest county in America,” he declared.
The video credited his administration with expanding the police force, cooperating with federal immigration authorities, and enforcing gender-based participation in school sports. “New York is desperate for change,” Blakeman said. “We need a strong Republican who will take the fight to Hochul and her liberal policies.”
His entry sets up a GOP primary showdown with Stefanik, who announced her candidacy in November and quickly secured the endorsement of state party chairman Ed Cox. Former President Donald Trump, asked about the race, praised both candidates: “He’s great and she’s great. I’ll think about it.”
Stefanik’s campaign wasted no time attacking Blakeman, calling his bid ego-driven and a threat to Republican chances in 2026. Meanwhile, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, seeking a second full term, dismissed the Republican field as trying to “out-MAGA each other.” Her campaign later escalated its criticism, branding Blakeman “Bootlicker Bruce” and accusing him of raising costs for New Yorkers while cheering Trump’s tariffs.
Hochul faces at least one Democratic primary challenger, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. A Siena University poll in November showed Hochul leading Stefanik by 20 points in a hypothetical matchup, though nearly half of voters said they would prefer “someone else,” signaling an appetite for a Republican alternative.
Blakeman, who steered Nassau County through the COVID-19 pandemic and previously served as a Port Authority commissioner during the 9/11 recovery, argued that leading a county “bigger than eight states” proves he is ready for statewide leadership.
