Trump Ally Bruce Blakeman Expected to Enter New York Governor’s Race, Setting Up GOP Clash With Elise Stefanik
Nassau County executive enters the race, disrupting expected coronation for Rep. Stefanik. Trump: "He's great and she's great."
Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive and a close ally of President Donald Trump, is expected to announce Tuesday evening that he will run for governor of New York, according to a report in the New York Post. His entry sets up a direct confrontation with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, the current GOP frontrunner and a prominent pro-Israel lawmaker.
Blakeman, who is Jewish, has been outspoken on issues related to Israel and Jewish security throughout his career. As county executive he helped pass anti-BDS measures, led large pro-Israel rallies after the October 7 Hamas attack, and in 2025 signed a cooperation agreement between Nassau County and the Hebron Hills Regional Council in Judea and Samaria, describing the pact as an expression of “unwavering support.”
Sources cited by the Post said Blakeman intends to run on a message of restoring public safety, improving affordability, and “putting New York first.” His expected announcement follows weeks of speculation and immediately shifts the dynamics of the GOP primary.
The central question is whether Trump will intervene. Speaking Monday night, the president declined to endorse either candidate, saying only, “They’re both great people,” and adding that he would “think about it.”
Stefanik’s campaign quickly criticized Blakeman’s move, accusing him of jeopardizing the party’s strongest chance in years to unseat Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. A campaign spokesperson charged that Blakeman is “putting his ego first and New Yorkers last,” and argued that his candidacy amounts to political help for Hochul.
Stefanik has consolidated considerable institutional support. Of the 62 Republican county committee chairs statewide, 58 have endorsed her, and early polling shows her as the clear favorite in a potential primary. Blakeman, who has a bipartisan record from his years in Nassau County government, is widely viewed as facing a steep climb in a polarized statewide race.
Hochul, for her part, appeared amused by the unfolding Republican rivalry. Asked about a potential Stefanik–Blakeman primary, she told reporters it would make the race “much more entertaining.”
The GOP nominee chosen in next year’s primary will face Hochul in the general election, with Republicans hoping that voter discontent over crime and the state’s economic climate could make the race competitive.