Trump Makes New Endorsement
President Donald Trump has stepped decisively into New York’s gubernatorial race, endorsing Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman shortly after Rep. Elise Stefanik withdrew from the contest and announced her departure from Congress.
The endorsement came just one day after Stefanik ended her bid for governor, clearing the way for a new Republican frontrunner in the race against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Trump Backs Law-and-Order Candidate
In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump praised Blakeman as a respected and popular local leader with a strong record on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and opposition to New York’s sanctuary policies.
Trump highlighted Blakeman’s close coordination with federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement, crediting him with prioritizing border enforcement, reducing crime, and restoring law and order in Nassau County.
He described Blakeman as fully aligned with the MAGA movement and noted that he has supported Trump since the earliest days of his political career.
Economic Growth, Taxes, and Public Safety
Trump said that as governor, Blakeman would focus on growing New York’s economy, cutting taxes and regulations, supporting American manufacturing, expanding domestic energy production, strengthening the military and veterans’ services, improving election integrity, and defending Second Amendment rights.
Calling Blakeman a “fantastic” candidate, Trump said he has his complete endorsement and expressed confidence that he can defeat Hochul in the general election and reverse what many conservatives see as New York’s long-term decline.
Stefanik Steps Aside
Blakeman formally entered the Republican primary last week, preventing Stefanik from receiving an uncontested path to the nomination.
On Friday, Stefanik said she was ending her gubernatorial bid and would not run again for her 21st District House seat, a position she has represented since 2015, citing family priorities.
Trump made no reference to Stefanik in his endorsement statement, even though she has been a close ally for years.
Blakeman Details His Record
Speaking Saturday on Newsmax, Blakeman outlined his campaign priorities and pointed to his record in Nassau County as a model for statewide reform.
He said his administration expanded law enforcement staffing while maintaining strict budget discipline.
Blakeman noted that Nassau County added hundreds of police officers and corrections officers without raising taxes, while also receiving multiple bond rating upgrades from Wall Street agencies due to strong fiscal management.
Criticism of Hochul and Sanctuary Policies
Blakeman contrasted his approach with that of Gov. Hochul, accusing her administration of pushing New York further toward sanctuary-state policies that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement.
He argued that these policies have contributed to higher costs, strained public services, and declining public safety.
New York City Enforcement Concerns
Blakeman also addressed New York City leadership, saying that as governor he would intervene if city officials fail to enforce state law.
He said he would not allow permissive enforcement policies to further undermine public safety or quality of life in the city.
Respectful Words for Stefanik
Blakeman spoke positively about Stefanik, calling her an effective public official and suggesting she may return to public service in the future. He added that choosing to spend more time with family is a decision many Americans understand.
A source close to Stefanik told Newsmax that Trump’s decision not to endorse her gubernatorial campaign played a significant role in her decision to withdraw.
Earlier this year, Stefanik was nominated to serve as the administration’s representative to the United Nations, but the nomination was later withdrawn due to concerns about Republicans’ narrow majority in the House.
