Overview
- Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman formally entered the governor’s race this week, highlighting his executive record, repeated bond-rating upgrades, and a pro‑choice stance on abortion.
- New York GOP Chair Ed Cox says Rep. Elise Stefanik holds over 75% of the weighted county vote and has endorsed her as the party’s strongest challenger to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
- Several sources told Spectrum News that President Trump phoned Blakeman and said a win was unlikely, a call some viewed as discouragement, while Blakeman disputed reporting that Trump tried to dissuade him.
- A Stefanik spokesperson labeled Blakeman an early Christmas present for Hochul and accused him of jeopardizing Republicans’ best chance to win the governorship.
- Democrats are casting both Republicans as closely aligned with Trump, with Hochul questioning whether voters want what she called a MAGA governor.