BREAKING: Republican Bruce Blakeman has officially launched his campaign for the 2026 New York gubernatorial race, unveiling his intentions with a powerful video early Tuesday morning. This announcement positions the two-term Nassau County executive as a key contender against upstate Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for the GOP nomination.
In his campaign video, Blakeman asserts his commitment to “put New York first,” emphasizing his “proven track record of delivering the change we need.” This declaration comes shortly after his successful reelection in November, where he solidified his influence on Long Island.
While Blakeman positions himself as a strong candidate, Stefanik’s campaign quickly pushed back, stating, “Even those in Nassau County who are closest to Bruce Blakeman will tell you that everyone knows Bruce has no shot.” They accuse him of prioritizing his ego over the needs of New Yorkers, potentially jeopardizing the party’s chance to reclaim the governor’s mansion for the first time since George Pataki won a third term in 2002.
Incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is currently seeking reelection to a second full term, facing a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. The Hochul campaign wasted no time in criticizing Blakeman, calling him “Bootlicker Bruce” and pointing out his history of electoral defeats in various positions, including county legislator and even U.S. Senate. “There’s a reason: just like Donald Trump, he takes money out of New Yorkers’ pockets,” the statement declared.
Blakeman’s conservative stances have garnered attention, energizing his GOP base and elevating his profile on the national stage. On social media, he expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump for acknowledging him as a strong candidate. Trump commented, “We’ll think about it, but he’s great and she’s great. They’re both great people.”
As Blakeman embarks on this campaign, he vows to keep taxes down, proudly stating that he has not raised taxes in four years. His previous campaign focused on key issues such as immigration enforcement, transgender athlete bans, and the allocation of opioid settlement funds, which resonated with voters in his district.
This developing story is crucial for New Yorkers as the political landscape shapes up for the upcoming election cycle. Blakeman’s entry into the race adds a new dynamic to an already competitive gubernatorial field. What remains to be seen is how his campaign will impact the Republican Party’s chances against Hochul and the Democrats.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds and the race heats up in the coming months.
