Trump endorses in New York governor race the day after Stefanik drops out

Trump Backs Blakeman After Stefanik Exits Gubernatorial Race

In a twist that could rival any political thriller, President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in the New York gubernatorial race. This endorsement comes just a day after Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) announced she would no longer pursue the governorship.

“Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump proclaimed in a post on Truth Social over the weekend. “Bruce Blakeman is a FANTASTIC guy, will win the big November Election and, without hesitation, has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Governor of the ONCE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK (IT CAN BE GREAT AGAIN!). BRUCE BLAKEMAN WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Stefanik, previously considered the frontrunner for the Republican primary against incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul in 2026, found herself in a precarious position. This shift followed Trump’s strategic maneuvering, which included endorsing Rep. Mike Lawler for reelection to his House seat, effectively nudging him away from the gubernatorial race.

Blakeman’s entry into the race earlier this month muddied the waters for Stefanik, who had been touted as a strong candidate. Trump had previously lauded both Republicans as “fantastic people,” emphasizing the competitive nature of the primary.

Meanwhile, polls indicate that Hochul maintains a significant double-digit lead over Blakeman in a potential direct matchup, according to a recent Siena Poll. This suggests that even with Trump’s endorsement, Blakeman has his work cut out for him.

Stefanik’s year has been anything but smooth sailing. Once a commanding voice in Congress, she faced a setback when Trump rescinded her nomination for the ambassadorship to the United Nations, citing concerns about her departure potentially jeopardizing the razor-thin GOP majority in the House. Her withdrawal from the gubernatorial race was accompanied by the announcement that she would not seek reelection.

In a sign of camaraderie, Blakeman attended a Hanukkah reception at the White House with Trump earlier this week, further solidifying their political alliance. Following Trump’s endorsement, he expressed gratitude on X, saying he felt “grateful and blessed” to have the president’s support.

Conclusion

The endorsement of Bruce Blakeman by Trump not only reshapes the landscape of the gubernatorial race but also highlights the unpredictable dynamics within the Republican Party. As the political chess game unfolds, it remains to be seen how these developments will influence voter sentiment leading up to the November election. With Hochul holding a strong lead, Blakeman will need more than just Trump’s backing to turn the tide in what once was the “great state” of New York.