Republican Enters the Race for New York Governor

Bruce Blakeman seeks NY governorship

Will compete against Elise Stefanik

Emphasizes support for Donald Trump

Bruce Blakeman, current Nassau County Executive and member of the Republican Party, announced on Tuesday his intention to run in New York’s gubernatorial election.

The decision places him directly in a primary against Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a prominent GOP figure and ally of President Donald Trump.

Bruce Blakeman seeks to govern New York

It is official. I am running for Governor of New York. Our state is struggling with high taxes, rising utility bills, and rising crime. New Yorkers deserve a proven leader who will Put New York First.

As Nassau County Executive I delivered results:
Safest county in America
… pic.twitter.com/8MU8tdcWdX

— Bruce Blakeman (@NassauExec) December 9, 2025

“Our state is facing high taxes, rising utility bills, and increasing crime. New Yorkers deserve an experienced leader who will put New York first,” Blakeman wrote on X.

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The official, born in Valley Stream, was reelected in 2025 as the top political and administrative authority of Nassau County.

The promises and central message of Bruce Blakeman’s campaign

EXCLUSIVE: @NassauExec Bruce Blakeman launches his run for governor of New York.

«We want to make it more affordable, we want to make New York safer, and we want to make people in New York happy again.» pic.twitter.com/lgXBa4HE5e

— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) December 9, 2025

On his official website, Bruce Blakeman highlights actions taken against sanctuary city policies, according to Telemundo.

He claims these policies offer greater protection to migrants and says he opposed them during his tenure.

The site also notes that he prevented “men from playing in women’s sports.”

His team links this message to a plan to bar transgender athletes from using county sports facilities unless they compete according to their sex assigned at birth.

Blakeman also stresses his support for President Donald Trump, stating that he shares with him a vision focused on “strong borders” and restoring “law and order.”

The Republican primary takes shape

Blakeman will face Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in June, who has represented New York in Congress since 2015.

Trump originally nominated her as ambassador to the UN, although the nomination was later withdrawn.

On Tuesday, her team responded strongly to Bruce Blakeman’s announcement.

They asserted in a statement that “everyone knows he has no chance and that he is putting his outsized ego ahead of New Yorkers.”

The last Republican governor of the state was George Pataki, who served from 1995 to 2006.

What’s next in the electoral race

In the Democratic Party, current Governor Kathy Hochul will seek reelection.

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado will also run.

The gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026.

The race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests of New York’s electoral cycle.