Trump endorses Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in New York governor race

Minister Donald Trump He endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor on Saturday, lending his support to the Long Island Republican a day after Rep. Elise Stefanik dropped out of the race.

Trump announced this approval for a long time Sharing on Truth SocialHe called Blakeman “highly respected and very popular” and praised his record on immigration enforcement, public safety and economic issues.

“The highly respected and very popular Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman is running Trump wrote that he will be the next Governor of New York.

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The confirmation follows this exclusive from Fox News Digital: Stefanik’s surprise decision The decision not to run was due in part to concerns that Trump had not made a clear commitment to support him in the New York governor’s race, sources said.

“Bruce has been MAGA from the beginning and has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump added.

In his post, Trump praised Blakeman’s work with federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement and outlined the race. border security and crime are issues Republicans have emphasized in historically blue states.

“As Nassau County Executive, he works tirelessly with the Brave Heroes of ICE, Border Patrol, and Law Enforcement to keep our Border SECURE, Stop Immigrant Crime, Protect our Community, and Maintain LAW AND ORDER,” Trump said. he wrote.

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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman celebrates his re-election on November 4 in Long Island, NY (District Management Office)

Blakeman welcomed Trump’s support, positioning himself close to the president’s policy agenda.

“I am delighted and grateful to have the support of President Donald J. Trump,” Blakeman said in a statement obtained by Fox News. “President Trump is lowering gas prices and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. Securing our borders has made America safer. President Trump loves New York, and we will partner to make New York safe and affordable.”

Trump said he would continue that agenda statewide if Blakeman is elected.

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President Donald Trump is greeted by Nassau County county executive Bruce Blakeman in Farmingdale, New York, on September 26. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

“As your next Governor, Bruce will continue to fight hard to Grow the Economy, Lower Taxes and Regulations, encourage MADE IN USA, Champion American Energy Dominance, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Improve Election Integrity, and protect the ever-under-siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote.

Blakeman serves as Nassau County Executive, leading New York’s largest suburban county. He has positioned himself as a tough-on-crime executive and a vocal critic of New York’s immigration and criminal justice policies.

Trump framed the confirmation as part of a broader effort to take back what he described as a state in decline under the Democratic administration. Kathy Hochul‘s leadership.

“Bruce Blakeman is a GREAT man, he will win the great November Election, and without hesitation, he will have my Total and Complete Endorsement for Governor of THE ONCE-GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK (HE MAY BE GREAT AGAIN!),” Trump wrote.

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Confirmation is as follows Stefanik’s announcement on Friday not entering the race, a decision that immediately reshaped the gubernatorial playing field.

Stefanik, a close ally of Trump and member of the House GOP leadership, was widely viewed as the top candidate heading into 2026.

Elise Stefanik’s campaign for governor did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.