Overview
- Elise Stefanik exited the race and said she will not seek another House term, clearing space for Blakeman’s run.
- Blakeman is leaning into his ties to Trump and is being treated by party leaders as the presumptive nominee ahead of February conventions.
- Conservative and GOP figures are seeking clarity on his abortion-rights stance even as allies argue it could blunt Democratic attacks.
- Analysts say a Long Island native atop the ticket could energize Nassau County Republicans and weigh on swing-district Democrats Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen.
- Siena polling shows Gov. Kathy Hochul holding a double-digit advantage over Blakeman in an early matchup, underscoring Republicans’ uphill path.