UPDATE: Republican Bruce Blakeman has officially launched his campaign for the 2026 New York governor’s race in a video released early Tuesday morning. The two-term Nassau County executive is set to challenge upstate Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for the GOP nomination, aiming to reshape the political landscape of New York.
In the campaign video, Blakeman proclaims, “A strong leader with a proven track record of delivering the change we need to put New York first.” This announcement comes just months after he secured reelection in Nassau County, galvanizing his supporters who view him as a formidable candidate.
However, Stefanik’s campaign quickly dismissed his bid. “Even those in Nassau County who are closest to Bruce Blakeman will tell you that everyone knows Bruce has no shot,” the statement reads. This criticism suggests that internal GOP dynamics could complicate his path to the nomination.
New York has not elected a Republican governor since George Pataki won a third term in 2002. Incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is seeking reelection while facing a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. Hochul’s campaign wasted no time in attacking Blakeman, stating, “Bootlicker Bruce Blakeman has lost just about every race he’s touched.”
Blakeman’s conservative views, particularly on issues like Immigration and Customs Enforcement and bans on transgender athletes, have helped him cultivate a national profile within the GOP. His supporters believe that these positions energize the Republican base in New York, a crucial factor in the upcoming race.
On Monday night, Blakeman expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump, who referred to him as “great” in discussions about the governor’s race. Trump stated, “We’ll think about it, but he’s great and she’s great,” raising speculation about a potential endorsement that could significantly impact Blakeman’s campaign.
Blakeman has previously emphasized his fiscal conservatism, stating, “I am going to work very hard to keep taxes down. I haven’t raised taxes one penny in four years,” a message that resonated with voters during his recent reelection campaign against Democratic challenger Seth Koslow.
As the race develops, all eyes will be on how Blakeman navigates the challenges posed by his GOP rivals and how he positions himself against the Democratic incumbent. With the primary elections nearing, the political landscape in New York is becoming increasingly competitive and unpredictable.
Expect more updates as this story unfolds. Blakeman’s entry into the race marks a pivotal moment in New York politics, with implications that could resonate far beyond state borders.
