Bruce Blakeman Announces GOP Run for New York Governor, Setting Up Primary Clash with Elise Stefanik
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his bid for the Republican nomination for New York governor on December 9, 2025, during an appearance on Fox & Friends. His campaign focuses on making New York first, increasing affordability, improving public safety, and enhancing residents' overall happiness.
Blakeman highlighted Nassau County's achievements under his leadership, including no tax increases in four years, strong safety metrics, and a lower poverty rate compared to the state average. Despite this, Governor Kathy Hochul's campaign criticized Blakeman as aligned with the MAGA movement and challenged his fiscal record, pointing to concerns about higher costs, tariffs, and Medicaid.
The Republican primary is shaping up to be competitive, with Elise Stefanik viewed as a strong candidate. Stefanik's campaign claims she leads Blakeman by about 70 percentage points in the primary and maintains she is the strongest contender against Hochul in the general election.
Former President Donald Trump has praised both Blakeman and Stefanik. Trump welcomed Blakeman at Republic Airport on September 26, 2025, and the two are seen as allies in the race. Blakeman remarked that Trump does not need to choose between him and Stefanik yet and expressed appreciation for Trump's leadership.
