TRUMP ENDORSES BLAKEMAN FOR NEW YORK GOVERNATOR AS STEFANIKA WITHDRAWS

Saturday, December 20, 2025

President Donald Trump on Saturday endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, one day after Rep. Elise Stefanik dropped out of the race and announced she is leaving Congress.

In a statement on his Truth Social page, Trump praised Blakeman as “Highly Respected and very popular Nassau County Executive” who will run against incumbent Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul. He emphasized Blakeman’s alignment with his policies, stating: “Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning.”

Trump highlighted Blakeman’s record as county executive, noting his hiring of 400 new police officers and 200 corrections officers without raising taxes over four years. He criticized Governor Hochul for creating a sanctuary state while advocating policies that prioritize public safety, affordability, and opposition to New York’s immigration enforcement.

Blakeman, who announced last week he would seek the Republican gubernatorial nomination, stated his campaign would focus on law enforcement capacity and fiscal discipline. He also warned about Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s approach in New York City, saying: “I will put a check on Mamdani if he doesn’t enforce the law.”

A source close to Stefanik told Newsmax that Trump’s refusal to endorse her gubernatorial bid was key to her decision to withdraw. The congresswoman cited family reasons for ending her campaign but described Blakeman as “an excellent, excellent public official” and predicted she would return to politics.