Overview
- President Donald Trump gave Blakeman a public endorsement on Saturday, praising him on Truth Social a day after Rep. Elise Stefanik withdrew from the race.
- Blakeman quickly defined his campaign with a speech in Oneida County emphasizing lower taxes, public safety, opposition to sanctuary status, and cooperation with ICE.
- His first TV buy aired in West Palm Beach, Florida, with ad-tracking firm Medium Buying confirming the placement and noting the spot will also run on New York cable.
- The campaign said the Florida placement targets New Yorkers who relocated, while Democrats and analysts described it as an effort to court Trump’s backing.
- Democratic strategists and the Hochul campaign argued that Blakeman’s lower name recognition and resources create an opening for Gov. Kathy Hochul to define him, with Hochul’s team criticizing the Florida ad as putting Trump ahead of New York.