Image: from Mary X@matjendav4
By Open Chronicle Staff | December 21, 2025
NEW YORK — President Donald Trump has officially cast his support behind Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for Governor of New York, moving swiftly to consolidate Republican power just 24 hours after the race’s frontrunner, Rep. Elise Stefanik, stunned the political world by withdrawing.
In a statement posted to Truth Social on Saturday, Trump described Blakeman as “highly respected and very popular,” emphasizing that the Long Island leader is “MAGA all the way” and has been a loyal ally “from the very beginning.”
The endorsement effectively transforms the 2026 gubernatorial landscape, positioning Blakeman as the clear favorite for the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.
The End of the Stefanik Bid
Rep. Elise Stefanik’s exit on Friday marked a dramatic turn for the New York GOP. As a high-ranking member of House Leadership and a national conservative firebrand, Stefanik was the heavy favorite in early polling and fundraising.
However, Stefanik cited a desire for party unity and family considerations for her withdrawal. “While we would have overwhelmingly won this primary, it is not an effective use of our time… to spend the first half of next year in an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary,” Stefanik wrote. Her departure from the race also coincides with her announcement that she will not seek reelection to Congress in 2026.
Blakeman’s “Law and Order” Platform
Bruce Blakeman, who has served as the executive of New York’s largest suburban county since 2022, has built a national profile by aligning closely with Trump’s signature policies.8 Trump’s endorsement highlighted Blakeman’s aggressive stance on:
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Border Security: Collaborating with ICE and Border Patrol to address “migrant crime.”
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Public Safety: Implementing a “tough-on-crime” agenda that Blakeman credits for making Nassau County the “safest in America.”
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Cultural Issues: Leading high-profile bans on transgender athletes in county sports facilities, a move that has energized his conservative base while drawing legal challenges from the state.
Blakeman welcomed the President’s backing, stating he was “blessed and grateful” and promising to be a partner in making New York “safe and affordable.”
This video provides expert political analysis on how Bruce Blakeman’s entry into the race reshapes the Republican primary and his chances against the Democratic incumbent:
A Vulnerable Incumbent?
The Republican shift comes as Governor Kathy Hochul faces her own hurdles. While New York remains a deep-blue state, Hochul is navigating low approval ratings and a primary challenge from her own Lieutenant Governor, Antonio Delgado.
| Candidate | Status | Primary Date |
| Bruce Blakeman (R) | Declared (Endorsed by Trump) | June 23, 2026 |
| Kathy Hochul (D) | Incumbent | June 23, 2026 |
| Antonio Delgado (D) | Challenger | June 23, 2026 |
| Elise Stefanik (R) | Withdrawn | — |
The Hochul campaign dismissed the Trump-Blakeman alliance on Saturday, labeling Blakeman a “MAGA sellout” who would put “Trump first and New York last.”
Republican Unity
Following Stefanik’s exit, State GOP Chair Ed Cox immediately threw his support behind Blakeman, urging the party to avoid internal friction.17 With Trump’s “Complete and Total Endorsement” now in hand, Blakeman enters the 2026 cycle with the full weight of the MAGA movement behind him, setting up what promises to be the most expensive and combative New York election in a generation.