UPDATE: Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is set to officially announce his candidacy for New York governor today, intensifying the race ahead of the November 2024 election. Blakeman’s entry adds pressure to the state Republican Party as he prepares to challenge fellow Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik in a primary that party leaders are reportedly wary of.
Both Blakeman and Stefanik are focused on unseating incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is currently leading the state’s executive branch. In a developing story, President Donald Trump weighed in on the emerging competition, calling both candidates “great people” in comments made earlier today. When asked about his potential support in the gubernatorial primary, Trump stated, “But he’s great. And she’s great. We have a lot of great people in the Republican Party.”
The Republican primary is shaping up to be a significant battleground, with both candidates vying for Trump’s endorsement and the backing of GOP voters. As per Blakeman’s expected announcement, he aims to rally support among conservatives eager for change in New York’s leadership.
Gov. Hochul, reacting to the anticipated primary, commented, “It makes it much more entertaining for me,” highlighting her readiness to engage with her challengers as the political landscape heats up.
With the stakes high and the election just months away, all eyes will be on Blakeman’s announcement and the subsequent reactions from Republican voters and party leaders. Will this race reshape the future of New York politics? Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
