Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman reveals his candidacy for governor of New York as a Republican

Bruce Blakeman Launches Campaign for New York Governor

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced on “Fox & Friends” that he is seeking the Republican nomination for governor of New York.

In his conversation with Brian Kilmeade, Blakeman expressed his vision: “We want to prioritize New York, make it more affordable and safer, and bring happiness back to New Yorkers.” It seems he’s aiming for a significant shift in the state’s governance.

However, the current Democratic governor, Cathy Hochul, hasn’t held back on her feelings about Blakeman’s candidacy. She referred to him as a “MAGA fanboy,” suggesting he aligns closely with former President Trump, which might not resonate well with some voters.

Critics from Hochul’s camp have pointed to Blakeman’s past electoral losses and labeled him as out of touch. “He’s been on the losing end nearly every time, whether it was for county representative or even Congress,” remarked Sarafina Titica, Hochul’s campaign communication director. She noted his support for Trump’s tariffs and claimed he has contributed to rising costs for New Yorkers.

In response, Blakeman characterized Hochul’s tenure as a failure. “I made Nassau County the safest in America and we’ve managed to keep our taxes steady for four years,” he stated confidently. “Our county’s poverty rate is significantly lower than the state’s average. I’m here to create a better life for New Yorkers.” This assertive outlook might play well among his supporters.

The political landscape is certainly shifting. Blakeman has garnered support from Trump, who is also backing New York state Rep. Elise Stefanik in her own gubernatorial ambitions. Trump described both candidates as “great people,” which adds an interesting dynamic to the race.

Interestingly, Stefanik’s campaign suggested that she currently leads Blakeman significantly in the polls, indicating that she might be a formidable opponent for both Blakeman and Hochul. They highlighted her successes in the primary and described Blakeman as less favorable among conservative voters, especially on Second Amendment issues.

As Blakeman continues his campaign, he doesn’t seem worried about who Trump might endorse. He remarked, “I don’t think the president has to pick sides just yet. Let’s see how things unfold.” He clearly appreciates Trump’s influence and has praised his actions in office, especially regarding the economy and job creation, calling it vital for their shared agenda.