Overview
- Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his 2026 run on Dec. 9, centering his message on affordability, public safety and “putting New York first.”
- His entry sets up a Republican primary against Rep. Elise Stefanik, who entered in November and has backing from state GOP Chair Ed Cox and several county leaders.
- President Trump praised both candidates and declined to endorse, saying, “He’s great, and she’s great,” keeping a coveted nod up for grabs.
- Stefanik’s team and party figures criticized Blakeman’s move as damaging, as public polling shows her far ahead in a GOP primary and filings show she holds a large cash advantage.
- Gov. Kathy Hochul welcomed a contested GOP race and tied Blakeman to Trump, highlighting his Nassau policies on transgender sports, immigration cooperation and a public mask ban.