Overview
- Rep. Elise Stefanik suspended her gubernatorial bid and said she will not seek another House term, creating an open congressional seat.
- President Donald Trump publicly backed Bruce Blakeman, and state Republican leaders have moved to line up behind him ahead of February nominating conventions.
- Blakeman stepped in to headline an upstate GOP fundraiser after Stefanik withdrew and said he spoke by phone with Trump following the shakeup.
- Gov. Kathy Hochul dismissed Blakeman’s candidacy as proof of Republican disarray and said she is not convinced he will be the nominee.
- A recent Siena finding showed Hochul with a double-digit edge, while Blakeman highlights a pro‑choice, moderate profile with tougher immigration positions as conservatives seek clarity on abortion and Democrats label him “MAGA.”