Trump backs Bruce Blakeman for New York governor as Stefanik exits GOP race

President Donald Trump endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor on Saturday, a day after Rep. Elise Stefanik announced she was withdrawing from the GOP primary. The move clears a path for Blakeman as the field narrows and comes amid rising questions about how the endorsement may shape the uphill battle against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Trump announced the backing on Truth Social, praising Blakeman as a longtime ally who shares his agenda and would bring a conservative, pro‑Trump approach to Albany. Blakeman, who has run a campaign built on security, energy affordability, and fiscal conservatism, thanked the former president for the support and framed the endorsement as a signal of collaboration on issues important to New Yorkers. The development marks Trump’s first public endorsement since the dramatic shift in the NY GOP primary, signaling his continued influence in the race as the field shifts.

The endorsement followed Stefanik’s Friday withdrawal from the governor’s contest, a move that stunned party observers and narrowed a field that had included Blakeman, Rep. Mike Lawler, and others. Lawler, who had previously endorsed Stefanik, left open the possibility of reconsidering his position but did not respond to requests for comment on Saturday. Stefanik’s exit was widely seen as a turning point that could consolidate support around Blakeman and other GOP figures aligned with the Trump faction.

Hochul’s campaign quickly weighed in, casting Blakeman’s candidacy as a bid to amplify presidential influence in state government. A Hochul spokesperson suggested that Blakeman’s embrace of Trump policies could put New Yorkers’ interests at risk by prioritizing national political goals over local concerns, including costs of living and public safety. The response underscores how the race has become a referendum on alignment with the former president and his policy priorities rather than purely local governance debates.

Political analysts say the evolving dynamic in the NY GOP primary could influence fundraising, endorsements, and voter alignment heading into the late stages of the campaign. Trump’s involvement raises questions about how much leverage the former president still holds within New York GOP circles and whether Blakeman’s candidacy can consolidate support among both traditional Republicans and Trump loyalists who remain influential in the state.

For Blakeman, the endorsement is a high-profile boost as he seeks to convert party infrastructure and political momentum into a statewide challenge against Hochul. His campaign has emphasized public safety, border policy, and economic relief measures, arguing that a Blakeman administration would be better positioned to address rising energy costs and other concerns facing New Yorkers. Blakeman’s team reiterated that the governor’s race will hinge on delivering results for New Yorkers while aligning with the national party agenda that voters associate with the Trump brand.

The political trajectory in New York remains fluid as the campaign season advances. With Stefanik out, Lawler weighing his options, and Hochul seeking to defend a Democratic stronghold, the state’s governor’s race is poised to enter a new phase. The coming weeks will test whether Blakeman can capitalize on Trump’s endorsement to broaden his appeal beyond a base of Trump-aligned Republicans and whether Hochul can mobilize support by presenting an alternative to the national politics framing that now dominates the contest.

As the campaign trail proceeds, New York voters will watch for how these developments influence messaging on core issues such as energy affordability, taxes, public safety, and state governance. The outcome of the governor’s race could also shape how the Republican Party in New York calibrates its strategy for a potential nationwide message in the 2026 election cycle, especially in a year when national political currents are often reflected in local contests.

The race remains dynamic, with Blakeman seeking to translate the Trump endorsement into momentum on the ground, while Hochul seeks to broaden her coalition by highlighting administrative record and policy priorities tailored to New York’s diverse constituencies. As candidates test positions and coalitions, the state will observe how endorsements, withdrawals, and shifting loyalties influence voter sentiment in the months ahead.