Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman for New York governor after Stefanik exit
Endorsement positions Nassau County executive as GOP standard-bearer in blue-leaning state after Elise Stefanik withdraws from 2026 race
President Donald Trump endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for governor of New York on Saturday, a day after Rep. Elise Stefanik announced she would not seek the 2026 race. The endorsement was issued in a Truth Social post, in which Trump praised Blakeman and framed the gubernatorial contest around immigration enforcement, public safety and economic issues.
Trump's post described Blakeman as "highly respected and very popular" and said he is "MAG A all the way" and has been with me from the beginning. He wrote that Blakeman would "continue to fight hard to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy Dominance, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment." The endorsement comes one day after Stefanik's exit; sources told Fox News Digital that her decision was influenced by concerns over Trump's commitment to backing her in the New York governor's race, and by the desire to avoid a bruising primary in a heavily Democratic state.
Blakeman welcomed the endorsement, aligning himself closely with the president’s policy agenda. "I am blessed and grateful to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump," Blakeman said in a statement obtained by Fox News. "President Trump is driving down gasoline prices and slashing the cost of prescription drugs. Securing our borders has made America safer. President Trump loves New York, and we will be partners in making New York safe and affordable." He suggested that Trump’s guidance would translate into a statewide push on border security, crime reduction and economic growth if he were to win.
The Hochul campaign swiftly responded, tying Blakeman to Trump and arguing that his endorsement would mean the former president’s priorities would take precedence over New York’s needs. A campaign spokesperson said the endorsement underscores the risk of a Trump-first, New York-last agenda — including concerns about tax policy and public safety funding — should Blakeman ascend to the state’s top seat. The Hochul camp also referenced Blakeman’s past electoral defeats, framing them as evidence that his platform has struggled to attract statewide support in a blue-leaning state. Hochul, who is seeking a second four-year term, has led in most public polls since she first became governor.
The politics of the New York governor’s race were upended by Stefanik’s decision Friday not to enter the contest and to forgo a run for Congress in 2026. Stefanik, a longtime ally of Trump and a member of House GOP leadership, had been viewed as the front-runner in a field that included Blakeman. The withdrawal has left Hochul with fewer immediate Republican challengers, though Blakeman is seeking to consolidate support among conservative and law-and-order voters who favor Trump’s policy approach.
The most recent public polling before Stefanik’s exit showed Hochul with a sizable lead over potential Republican rivals, underscoring the challenge any GOP candidate faces in a state that has trended Democratic in statewide races. Pataki remains the last Republican to win a governor’s race in New York, in 2002, a reminder of the long odds Republicans have faced in statewide contests in the modern era. Analysts say Blakeman’s campaign will need to broaden its appeal beyond traditional GOP strongholds on Long Island to make inroads in Democratic-leaning upstate areas and New York City suburbs.
For Blakeman, the endorsement from Trump marks a high-profile acceleration of his statewide bid. He has positioned himself as a tough-on-crime administrator who has clashed with the state’s Democratic leadership over immigration policy and law enforcement funding. If elected, supporters say he would push a national-aligned policy package on border security, energy, tax relief and a strengthened public-safety posture. Opponents caution that Trump’s influence in New York politics remains limited, especially in a state with a long history of electing Democratic governors and after decades of divided federal and state government.