Overview
- Bruce Blakeman is expected to make his 2026 bid official Tuesday, setting up a contest with Rep. Elise Stefanik ahead of a June 23 Republican primary.
- Trump declined to take sides Monday, calling both candidates “great people” when asked about an endorsement.
- Stefanik’s campaign attacked Blakeman as having “no shot” and accused him of putting his ego first, according to spokesperson Bernadette Breslin.
- Stefanik has collected backing from state GOP chair Ed Cox, former Gov. George Pataki and numerous county leaders as party officials signal they want to avoid a primary.
- Fresh off his Nassau County reelection, Blakeman touts fiscal restraint and public safety and has drawn attention for a county transgender athlete ban and a volunteer law enforcement unit criticized as a militia.