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By Adeola Adeosun
Weekend Night Editor
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President Donald Trump endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor on Saturday, one day after GOP Representative Elise Stefanik announced she would suspend her gubernatorial campaign and not seek reelection to Congress.
The endorsement, delivered via Trump's Truth Social platform, positions Blakeman as the leading Republican candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial race against Democratic incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul.
Newsweek reached out to Blakeman's office outside of normal business hours via email on Saturday for comment.
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Why It Matters
Trump's swift endorsement significantly strengthens Blakeman's position and could discourage other serious Republican contenders from entering the race, potentially clearing his path to the GOP nomination.
The development marks a pivotal moment in New York Republican politics, as the party seeks to challenge Hochul in a state where Republicans have not held the governorship since George Pataki left office on December 31, 2006.
Stefanik's withdrawal, citing family priorities and concerns about a divisive primary, eliminates what was expected to be a competitive contest between two Trump allies.
What To Know
Blakeman serves as executive of Nassau County on Long Island and has cultivated a political profile closely aligned with Trump's agenda.
He has gained attention for implementing controversial policies, including a ban on transgender athletes using county sports facilities and creating a volunteer law enforcement unit that critics have characterized as a militia. Most recently, Blakeman directed county detectives to collaborate with federal immigration authorities in Trump's mass deportation efforts.
"As Nassau County Executive, he is working tirelessly with the Brave Heroes of ICE, Border Patrol, and Law Enforcement to Keep Our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Community, and Ensure LAW AND ORDER," Trump wrote in his endorsement on Truth Social. "As your next Governor, Bruce will continue to fight hard to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes, and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment!"
Stefanik announced her decision Friday after spending time with her family, stating that being a mother to her 4-year-old son is "life's greatest gift and greatest responsibility." She cited concerns about spending resources on "an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary, especially in a challenging state like New York." The congresswoman, who has been a steadfast Trump ally, had been nominated to serve as ambassador to the United Nations before Trump withdrew the nomination due to concerns about the GOP's narrow House majority.
Just days before Stefanik's announcement, Trump had declined to take sides between the two Republicans when Blakeman formally announced his candidacy, telling reporters: "He's great, and she's great. They're both great people."
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What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump via Truth Social on Saturday, in part: "Bruce Blakeman is a FANTASTIC guy, will win the big November Election and, without hesitation, has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Governor of the ONCE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK (IT CAN BE GREAT AGAIN!). BRUCE BLAKEMAN WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!"
Representative Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican, said while announcing her decision Friday: "While many know me as Congresswoman, my most important title is Mom. I believe that being a parent is life's greatest gift and greatest responsibility. I have thought deeply about this, and I know that as a mother, I will feel profound regret if I don't further focus on my young son's safety, growth, and happiness—particularly at his tender age."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on X on Friday: "Elise Stefanik has been an incredible advocate for the people of her district in Upstate New York, and she will always be a true friend to President Trump. On a personal note, Elise is my former boss. She is a great leader, and an even better person. We love you, @EliseStefanik!"
Hochul Campaign Communications Director Sarafina Chitika told Newsweek on Saturday: “Donald Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman for one reason: he’ll put Trump first, New York last, and leave families to foot the bill. Take it from Trump, Blakeman is ‘MAGA all the way’ – he cheered Trump’s expensive tariffs that jack up costs for New Yorkers, ran Nassau’s safety-net hospital into the ground, and stayed silent when Trump slashed nearly $200 million from the NYPD. Blakeman should have learned a lesson from Elise Stefanik: MAGA sellouts don’t win New York, and they sure as hell don’t end up in the governor’s mansion.”
What Happens Next?
With Trump's endorsement secured and Stefanik out of the race, Blakeman appears positioned as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination.
Update 12/20/25, 7:22 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 12/20/25, 7:46 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with a quote from Kathy Hochul's campaign.
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