Bruce Blakeman Launches Campaign for New York Governorship

Republican Bruce Blakeman, the two-term executive of Nassau County, has officially entered the race for governor of New York. Blakeman announced his candidacy for the 2026 election with a video released early on Tuesday morning, in which he stated, “Bruce Blakeman for governor: A strong leader with a proven track record of delivering the change we need to put New York first.”

Blakeman, who secured reelection in November, is set to challenge Elise Stefanik, a Congresswoman from upstate New York, for the Republican nomination. The political landscape in New York has been challenging for Republicans, as the state has not elected a Republican governor since George Pataki won a third term in 2002. The current governor, Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is campaigning for a second full term and is facing a primary challenge from Antonio Delgado, her lieutenant governor.

Stefanik’s campaign quickly responded to Blakeman’s announcement, expressing skepticism about his chances. A statement from her team read, “Even those in Nassau County who are closest to Bruce Blakeman will tell you that everyone knows Bruce has no shot and is putting his raging ego first and New Yorkers last.” This sentiment underscores the competitive nature of the upcoming primary.

Hochul’s campaign also weighed in, criticizing Blakeman’s previous electoral record. “Bootlicker Bruce Blakeman has lost just about every race he’s touched—county legislator, comptroller, Congress, even U.S. Senate,” a spokesperson said. They further asserted that Blakeman’s policies harm working families, likening him to former President Donald Trump.

Blakeman has gained national attention for his conservative positions, which have energized his Republican base. On Monday night, he expressed gratitude to Trump for recognizing him as a strong candidate in the race. Trump commented on Blakeman’s prospects, stating, “We’ll think about it, but he’s great and she’s great. They’re both great people.”

As he embarks on this new campaign, Blakeman has emphasized fiscal conservatism, pledging to keep taxes down. “I haven’t raised taxes one penny in four years,” he stated during his reelection campaign against Democratic challenger Seth Koslow. His campaign is likely to focus on issues that resonated with voters in November, including immigration enforcement, transgender athlete bans, and the allocation of opioid settlement funds.

With the political landscape shifting as Hochul seeks reelection, Blakeman’s entry into the race could reshape the dynamics of the governor’s race in New York. As the campaign unfolds, the strategies and responses from both Blakeman and his opponents will be closely watched by political observers and constituents alike.