Trump endorses Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor

President Donald Trump endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, announcing the endorsement Saturday on Truth Social. The move followed Rep. Elise Stefanik's announcement that she would suspend her gubernatorial bid and not seek reelection to Congress. The endorsement, while not unexpected, could help Blakeman consolidate the GOP nomination and pose a stronger challenge to Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in November.

Trump praised Blakeman in a Truth Social post, saying, 'Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning.' Stefanik's decision, announced Friday, said she wanted to avoid an 'unnecessary and protracted Republican primary.'

Blakeman, Nassau County's county executive, has drawn attention for policies such as a ban on transgender athletes from using county sports facilities. He also created a volunteer law enforcement unit and directed county detectives to work alongside federal authorities in Trump's immigration crackdown, a stance that has drawn criticism from some opponents but is cited by supporters as a measure to enhance safety and border enforcement.

The Hochul campaign seized on Trump's endorsement as a sign that Blakeman would put Trump first and New York last, a characterization echoed by campaign communications director Sarafina Chitika. The Hochul team said the move underscores the risk of Trump involvement in state politics and questioned who would bear the costs of any policy changes.

Blakeman formally announced his candidacy earlier this year, and Trump had previously declined to take sides when asked about Blakeman and Stefanik. On Monday, amid reports Blakeman would jump into the race, Trump told reporters, 'He’s great, and she’s great. They’re both great people.' The exchange left the race looking more fluid, with Stefanik ultimately suspending her bid and Trump backing Blakeman.

Analysts say the endorsement could help Blakeman clear the field in a crowded GOP primary and may influence fundraising and turnout in the fall contest against Hochul. The race for governor in New York has grown more competitive as national Republican attention drifts to the state following the midterm period, and Trump’s backing signals a renewed emphasis on the party's alignment with his political brand.