Trump endorses Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor race
Bruce Blakeman launches bid for governor of New York
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman joins “Fox & Friends” to discuss the launch of his campaign for New York governor and react to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s appointment of an ex-convict as crime advisor.
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President Donald Trump endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor on Saturday, throwing his support behind the Long Island Republican a day after Rep. Elise Stefanik withdrew from the race.
Trump announced his support in a lengthy article on Truth Social, calling Blakeman “highly respected and very popular” and praising his record on immigration control, public safety and economic issues.
“Highly respected and popular Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman, short to be the next governor of New York,” Trump wrote.
INSIDE STEFANIK’S EXIT AND HOW TRUMP’S SUPPORT THAT NEVER CAME WAS THE ‘BIGGER PIECE’ OF THE ‘PUZZLE’
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman celebrates his re-election to the Nassau Republican GOP seat on election night at the Coral House in Baldwin, New York, on November 4. (Steve Pfost/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
This approval follows exclusive reporting from Fox News Digital that Stefanik’s surprise decision not running was motivated in part by concerns over Trump’s lack of clear commitment to supporting him in the election. Governor of New Yorkaccording to sources.
“Bruce has been a MAGA since the beginning and he has been with me since the very beginning,” Trump added.
In his message, Trump praised Blakeman’s work with federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement, framing the race around border security and crime, issues that Republicans have emphasized in historically blue states.
“As Nassau County Executive, he works tirelessly with the courageous heroes of ICE, Border Patrol, and law enforcement to keep our borders secure, end migrant crime, protect our community, and ensure law and order,” Trump wrote.
EXCLUSIVE: STEFANIK STEAMROLLS TOP CONSERVATIVE OPPONENT AS GOP LEADERS LAUNCH HIS COMMAND EDGE IN NY PRIMARY
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman celebrates his re-election November 4 in Long Island, New York (County Executive Office)
Blakeman praised Trump’s support, aligning closely with the president’s policy agenda.
“I am blessed and grateful to have the support of President Donald J. Trump,” Blakeman said in a statement obtained by Fox News. “President Trump is lowering gas prices and reducing 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.”
Trump said Blakeman would continue this program statewide if elected.
AS NYC ELECTS SOCIALIST MAMDANI, NEIGHBORING COUNTY DOUBLES ITS TRUMP-STYLE LEADERSHIP WITH BLAKEMAN’S VICTORY
President Donald Trump is greeted by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman September 26 in Farmingdale, New York. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“As our next governor, Bruce will continue to fight hard to grow the economy, cut taxes and regulations, promote MADE IN THE USA, defend American energy DOMINANCE, strengthen our military/veterans, advance election integrity, and protect our still-embattled Second Amendment,” Trump wrote.
Blakeman currently serves as Nassau County Executive, leading New York’s largest suburban county. He has positioned himself as a tough-on-crime executive and an outspoken critic of New York’s immigration and criminal justice policies.
Trump framed the endorsement as part of a broader effort to reclaim what he described as a state in decline under the Democratic governor’s leadership. Kathy Hochulthe direction of.
“Bruce Blakeman is a FANTASTIC guy, he will win the big election in November and, without hesitation, he has my complete and total support as Governor of the GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK (HE CAN BE GREAT AGAIN!),” Trump wrote.
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Approval follows Stefanik’s announcement on Friday that she would not enter the race, a decision that immediately reshaped the rules of the gubernatorial game.
Stefanik, a close Trump ally and member of the Republican Party leadership in the House of Representatives, was widely considered the top candidate heading into 2026.
The campaign for Elise Stefanik for governor did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Andrew Mark Miller of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
