Bruce Blakeman Shakes Up New York’s 2026 Governor Race
So, here’s what’s unfolding right now in New York politics, and it’s already turning into one of the most closely watched storylines heading into 2026. Republican Bruce Blakeman, the two-term Nassau County executive, is stepping into the race for governor. Sources say a formal announcement is expected on Tuesday, which means the conversation is about to shift quickly and dramatically across the state.
Blakeman just won reelection on Long Island in November, and instead of settling into another term, he’s moving straight into a heavyweight primary battle against upstate Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. Both are well-known in Republican circles, and both have strong bases—so this primary is shaping up as a real test of the party’s direction.
When asked about whether he’d endorse either candidate, former President Trump kept things vague, saying both contenders are “great people.” That brief comment, though, still got plenty of attention. Blakeman even took to social media to thank Trump for the compliment, using it as a springboard to talk about what he believes New Yorkers deserve: lower costs, stronger public safety, and a renewed “New York first” approach.
Also Read:It’s been more than two decades since a Republican held the governor’s office—George Pataki won his last term in 2002—so this race already carries a sense of high stakes. On the Democratic side, Gov. Kathy Hochul is seeking another full term and is facing a primary challenge from her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. That adds yet another layer of unpredictability to a race that was already crowded.
Stefanik’s campaign didn’t hold back after news of Blakeman’s plans began circulating. They issued a lengthy, pointed statement questioning Blakeman’s chances, citing past statewide losses and insisting Stefanik is leading in every primary poll—including on Long Island. Democrats, meanwhile, seized on Trump’s noncommittal stance, arguing it leaves whichever Republican wins the primary “damaged” heading into the general election.
But Blakeman enters the race with real momentum among conservatives. His national profile has grown over the last few years, partly due to his hard-line stances on immigration enforcement, transgender athlete bans, and opioid settlement funds. His pledge not to raise taxes has been a cornerstone of his local political identity, and during his recent reelection campaign, he reminded voters that taxes had not been raised “one penny” under his watch.
Political analysts are taking him seriously, too. J.C. Polanco, a political expert from the University of Mount Saint Vincent, called this move “very serious” and described Blakeman as a formidable candidate—someone with strong local popularity and appeal that stretches beyond just Republicans.
So, as New York heads into a pivotal election year, the stage is set. A fiercely competitive GOP primary, a Democratic incumbent fending off her own challenger, and big, defining issues like public safety, affordability, and energy policy all converging at once. It’s going to be a race watched well beyond New York’s borders.
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