Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman reportedly made a high-profile entrance into the 2026 New York governor’s race on Tuesday, announcing his campaign live on Fox & Friends.
Blakeman, a Republican who has positioned himself as a strong advocate for affordability and public safety, said he is seeking both the Republican and Conservative Party nominations in an effort to deliver what he described as long-overdue change for New Yorkers.
“I’m very honored and proud that I’m gonna be on Fox & Friends with you right now to announce that I’m running for governor of the state of New York,” Blakeman told co-host Brian Kilmeade. Laying out his priorities, he continued, “We wanna put New York first. We wanna make it more affordable. We wanna make New York safer. And we wanna make people in New York happy again.”
His announcement sets up a significant GOP primary contest against Rep. Elise Stefanik, a rising national Republican figure and outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump.
The winner will take on incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul, who has faced ongoing criticism over the state’s affordability crisis, rising crime, and persistent population loss. Prior to Blakeman entering the race, polling showed Stefanik holding an advantage over Hochul—an early sign that Republicans see a real opportunity to compete in a state long dominated by Democrats.
Blakeman’s record as Nassau County executive has drawn attention from conservative voters statewide, particularly for his focus on law enforcement and fiscal responsibility. His decision to announce on Fox & Friends—one of the most-watched morning shows among Republican voters—signals the kind of campaign he is likely to run: direct, unapologetic, and aimed squarely at New Yorkers frustrated with the direction of the state.
The dynamics of the GOP primary grew even more interesting when President Trump was asked Monday about the possibility of two of his allies—Blakeman and Stefanik—running for the same office. The president struck a diplomatic tone, refusing to choose sides while offering praise for both.
“She’s great. He’s also great,” Trump said when pressed on whom he might endorse. “I’ll think about it, but he’s great and she’s great. We have a lot of great people in the Republican Party.”
Trump’s response underscores the strength of both candidates within the MAGA wing of the party, as well as the likelihood that his eventual endorsement—if he offers one—could influence the outcome of the primary.
Blakeman now enters a competitive race at a moment when many New Yorkers are looking for alternatives to the policies of the current Democratic administration. With concerns about affordability, safety, and quality of life dominating voter conversations, the Republican field is betting that 2026 may present a rare opportunity to shift political power in Albany.
Whether Blakeman can capitalize on that moment remains to be seen, but his message is clear: New York needs a course correction, and he intends to lead it.
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