President Donald Trump has just thrown his weight behind Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in the race for New York governor.
The New York Post reported that Trump’s endorsement came hot on the heels of Rep. Elise Stefanik’s unexpected withdrawal from the Republican primary, shaking up the field and setting the stage for a contentious battle against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The endorsement dropped on Saturday via Trump’s Truth Social platform, marking his first public stance since the recent upheaval among GOP contenders.
Trump didn’t hold back, describing Blakeman as a “fantastic guy” and a steadfast ally who’s been with him from the start.
He expressed unwavering confidence in Blakeman’s ability to unseat Hochul, promising that the candidate has his “Complete and Total Endorsement” for what he called the “ONCE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK.”
Trump’s words carry weight, and this move could very well reshape the Republican primary by discouraging other contenders from jumping into the fray.
Blakeman, for his part, was quick to express his appreciation, stating, “I am blessed and grateful to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump.”
He went on to praise Trump’s policies, crediting him with lowering gas prices, reducing prescription drug costs, and strengthening border security—issues that resonate with many frustrated New Yorkers.
Blakeman’s vision of partnering with Trump to make the state “safe and affordable” is a clear signal of his intent to align closely with the MAGA agenda, a stance that could energize conservative voters tired of progressive overreach.
Just a day before Trump’s announcement, Stefanik’s sudden exit from the race left many in the party scrambling to reassess their strategies.
Trump had previously spoken highly of both Stefanik and Blakeman, making his ultimate choice of the latter a notable pivot that could consolidate support around a single candidate.
Rep. Mike Lawler, who had backed Stefanik, hinted at uncertainty, saying he’d “take a little bit of time” before deciding his next move, leaving open the possibility of a reshuffled field.
On the other side of the aisle, Gov. Hochul’s team didn’t mince words, with the governor herself accusing Blakeman of pandering excessively to Trump in a rather colorful jab.
Her campaign spokesperson, Sarafina Chitika, doubled down, warning that Blakeman would put Trump’s interests ahead of New York families, painting him as out of touch with the state’s needs.
While the criticism is sharp, it’s worth noting that such rhetoric often masks a deeper concern—Hochul’s camp knows a Trump-backed candidate could rally a significant base in a state hungry for change after years of policies many see as disconnected from everyday struggles.
