UPDATE: Republican Bruce Blakeman has officially launched his campaign for New York Governor, aiming to make a significant impact in the 2026 race. His formal announcement came via a video released early Tuesday morning, where Blakeman proclaimed, “Bruce Blakeman for governor: A strong leader with a proven track record of delivering the change we need to put New York first.”
Blakeman, who has served two terms as Nassau County executive, faces a fierce challenge for the GOP nomination from upstate Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. Stefanik’s campaign wasted no time in attacking Blakeman’s candidacy, stating that he is prioritizing his own ego over the needs of New Yorkers, claiming, “Even those in Nassau County who are closest to Bruce Blakeman will tell you that everyone knows Bruce has no shot.”
New York has not seen a Republican governor since George Pataki won his third term in 2002, making this race particularly critical for the GOP. Incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is vying for a second full term and is facing a primary challenge from Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado.
In a sharp response to Blakeman’s entry, Hochul’s campaign highlighted his electoral history, saying, “Bootlicker Bruce Blakeman has lost just about every race he’s touched.” They accused him of financially burdening working families, asserting that he takes money out of New Yorkers’ pockets at every turn.
Blakeman has gained traction within the Republican base, thanks in part to his conservative positions on various issues, including immigration enforcement, the ban on transgender athletes, and the distribution of opioid settlement funds. He recently received a nod of recognition from former President Donald Trump, who referred to him as “great” when asked about potential endorsements.
“I am going to work very hard to keep taxes down. I haven’t raised taxes one penny in four years,” Blakeman declared during his reelection campaign against Democratic Legislator Seth Koslow, underscoring his commitment to fiscal conservatism.
As the gubernatorial race heats up, political analysts are closely watching how the dynamics between Blakeman, Stefanik, and Hochul will unfold. Blakeman’s campaign is expected to focus heavily on his track record and conservative values as he seeks to rally support from GOP voters across the state.
What’s Next: With the primary election approaching, all eyes will be on how Blakeman and his rivals position themselves on key issues that resonate with New Yorkers. The stakes are high for the Republican Party in a state that has leaned Democratic in recent years, making this contest one of the most significant in recent memory.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
