Image: from NahBabyNah X @NahBabyNahNah
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has officially adopted a MAGA-inspired mantle for his 2026 gubernatorial bid, vowing to “Make New Yorkers Happy Again.” The Republican nominee unveiled the slogan during an appearance on Miranda Devine’s Pod Force One, positioning himself as the populist alternative to Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.
Blakeman, who has received the endorsement of President Trump, is attempting to bridge a double-digit polling gap by leaning into a “New York First” platform. “They want a governor that’s going to care about them… who will make them happy again, because they’re not very happy with Kathy Hochul,” Blakeman told Devine.
The Path to Albany
Currently trailing Hochul by 13 points in the latest Siena poll, Blakeman remains optimistic, noting that his current standing is stronger than Lee Zeldin’s was at this same point in the 2022 cycle. Blakeman’s strategy focuses on:
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Fiscal Conservatism: Highlighting four years in Nassau County without a tax hike.
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Crime: Running on a “tough on crime” platform to counter what he labels as “pro-criminal” policies in Albany.
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The “Exodus” Promise: Blakeman claims he has spoken with former residents in Florida who have vowed to return to the Empire State if he is elected.
Clash with the City
A central pillar of Blakeman’s campaign is a confrontation with New York City’s political leadership. Blakeman aimed at Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first socialist mayor, calling him a “socialist head honcho” and claiming Governor Hochul is “in bed” with the City Hall administration.
“The only one that can stop Zohran Mamdani is the governor,” Blakeman said, suggesting he would use gubernatorial powers to limit the Mayor’s reach.
Mayor Mamdani dismissed the attacks during a childcare press conference on Monday, stating that Blakeman “espouses so much of what has diminished New Yorkers’ faith in politics” and criticizing the County Executive’s support for aggressive ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) policies.
Financial and Regulatory Hurdles
Despite the rhetorical fire, Blakeman faces a staggering financial disadvantage. Latest filings show Hochul sitting on a $20 million war chest, while Blakeman has raised just $3.2 million.
The climb grew steeper on Tuesday when the State Public Campaign Finance Board voted 4-3 along party lines to deny Blakeman millions in public matching funds, citing a “paperwork technicality.” Blakeman’s campaign has blasted the move as a partisan attempt to tip the scales in Hochul’s favor.
Poll Watch
While the Siena poll shows a 13-point deficit, Blakeman’s internal polling suggests a tighter race, with the gap narrowing to 9 points. His campaign maintains that they are winning the suburbs and overperforming among city voters compared to traditional media estimates.