Overview
- State GOP chair Ed Cox declared there will not be a Republican primary and backed Rep. Elise Stefanik to lead the 2026 ticket against Gov. Kathy Hochul.
- Bruce Blakeman rebuked Cox’s stance at a Massapequa event, warning against a Kamala Harris–style “coronation” and arguing the party should hold an open contest.
- Blakeman launched a statewide swing with stops including Albany, Plattsburgh, Buffalo and the Southern Tier, and said he expects to decide on a run within two to three weeks.
- A state GOP spokesperson said county chairs have endorsed Stefanik and that leaders expect to avoid a primary, while Stefanik’s team cited over 70% of the weighted county‑chair vote and Conservative Party support.
- Citing a 12-point reelection win in Nassau County, Blakeman said he can reach independents and Democrats, as both he and Stefanik criticize Hochul’s record and align with President Trump.