President Donald Trump wasted no time reshaping New York’s gubernatorial race, throwing his full support behind Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman just one day after Rep. Elise Stefanik announced she would not run. Politics may be complicated, but decisive leadership apparently isn’t.
Trump made the endorsement public in a lengthy Truth Social post, praising Blakeman as “highly respected and very popular” and highlighting his record on immigration enforcement, public safety, and economic issues. In other words, the basics—things New Yorkers used to expect from their leaders before common sense became controversial.
“Highly Respected and very popular Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman, is running to be the next Governor of New York,” Trump wrote, leaving little doubt about where he stands.
The endorsement followed reports that Stefanik’s surprise withdrawal was driven, at least in part, by uncertainty over Trump’s commitment in the race. With Blakeman, there’s no ambiguity. “Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump added—clear, direct, and refreshingly uncomplicated.
Trump emphasized Blakeman’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement, framing the race around border security and crime—issues Republicans have increasingly pressed in traditionally blue states. As Nassau County Executive, Blakeman has worked closely with ICE, Border Patrol, and law enforcement to secure the border, stop migrant crime, safeguard communities, and restore law and order. Apparently, that still resonates with voters who prefer safe streets over slogans.
Blakeman welcomed the endorsement, aligning himself squarely with Trump’s agenda. He said he was “blessed and grateful” for the president’s support, crediting Trump with driving down gasoline prices, slashing prescription drug costs, and making America safer by securing the border. He also emphasized that Trump loves New York and that they would work together to make the state safe and affordable again—an ambitious goal, but someone has to try.
Trump made it clear that, as governor, Blakeman would continue that agenda statewide, pledging economic growth, tax and regulatory cuts, promotion of Made in the U.S.A., American energy dominance, support for the military and veterans, election integrity, and protection of the Second Amendment. A full platform, not a focus-group slogan.
Blakeman currently leads New York’s largest suburban county and has built his reputation as a tough-on-crime executive and a vocal critic of the state’s immigration and criminal justice policies. Trump framed the endorsement as part of a broader effort to reclaim what he described as a state in decline under Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“Bruce Blakeman is a FANTASTIC guy… and has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Governor of the ONCE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK (IT CAN BE GREAT AGAIN!),” Trump wrote, optimism included at no extra charge.
The endorsement comes as the race adjusts to Stefanik’s decision not to enter, a move that immediately reshaped the field. Stefanik had been widely viewed as the top contender heading into 2026, but the campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
Hochul, who is seeking a second term after becoming governor in 2021 following Andrew Cuomo’s resignation, saw her campaign quickly attack the endorsement. A campaign spokesperson tied Blakeman directly to Trump, accusing him of putting Trump first. That line of attack, of course, conveniently ignores the fact that millions of New Yorkers might actually like that idea.
The spokesperson also criticized Blakeman’s record and mocked his MAGA alignment, arguing that such candidates don’t win New York. Time will tell—but with Trump’s backing, a proven record on public safety, and a clear message focused on making New York safer and more affordable, Republicans now have a candidate with momentum and purpose. And for a state long written off as hopelessly blue, that’s a pretty positive place to start.
