Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's surprise bid for New York governor has sent shockwaves through the state's Republican Party, setting the stage for a contentious GOP primary. In a move that has left party leaders scrambling, Blakeman announced his candidacy on Tuesday, vowing to take on Governor Kathy Hochul and fight for families.
Blakeman's decision comes as the state's Republicans face their first major test since President Donald Trump's presidency ended. State GOP Chair Ed Cox had been backing U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik in the governor's race, with hopes of avoiding a competitive primary that could distract from beating Hochul. However, Blakeman's entry into the fray has thrown a wrench into those plans.
Blakeman sees himself as the Republican leader of the New York City suburbs that have increasingly aligned with Trump since 2016. He touts his record on public safety, immigration, and taxes in Nassau County, citing high taxes, rising utility bills, and rising crime as major concerns for New Yorkers.
Stefanik's campaign has responded by branding Blakeman as a MAGA cheerleader running to do Trump's bidding, with no policy substance of their own. Bernadette Breslin, Stefanik's spokesperson, claims that her candidate is the strongest contender against Hochul and that Blakeman is actually working to torpedo fellow Republicans.
Cox, however, has taken a more conciliatory tone, saying that Blakeman is well-liked within the party but acknowledging that Stefanik remains the GOP's best bet for winning the governor's race. Cox expressed confidence that Stefanik will emerge as the party's nominee after the convention and vowed to work together to break one-party Democrat rule.
Hochul, who is facing a Democratic primary challenge from Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, has seized on Blakeman's entry into the fray, tweeting that he's just another Trump-backed candidate looking to raise costs for New Yorkers. With Republicans struggling to regain traction in the state, Hochul appears to have an opening to capitalize on the infighting within the GOP.
The Republican primary has set up a showdown between two factions within the party: those aligned with Trump and those who are more moderate. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Blakeman's candidacy will prove a blessing or a curse for Stefanik's campaign.
Blakeman's decision comes as the state's Republicans face their first major test since President Donald Trump's presidency ended. State GOP Chair Ed Cox had been backing U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik in the governor's race, with hopes of avoiding a competitive primary that could distract from beating Hochul. However, Blakeman's entry into the fray has thrown a wrench into those plans.
Blakeman sees himself as the Republican leader of the New York City suburbs that have increasingly aligned with Trump since 2016. He touts his record on public safety, immigration, and taxes in Nassau County, citing high taxes, rising utility bills, and rising crime as major concerns for New Yorkers.
Stefanik's campaign has responded by branding Blakeman as a MAGA cheerleader running to do Trump's bidding, with no policy substance of their own. Bernadette Breslin, Stefanik's spokesperson, claims that her candidate is the strongest contender against Hochul and that Blakeman is actually working to torpedo fellow Republicans.
Cox, however, has taken a more conciliatory tone, saying that Blakeman is well-liked within the party but acknowledging that Stefanik remains the GOP's best bet for winning the governor's race. Cox expressed confidence that Stefanik will emerge as the party's nominee after the convention and vowed to work together to break one-party Democrat rule.
Hochul, who is facing a Democratic primary challenge from Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, has seized on Blakeman's entry into the fray, tweeting that he's just another Trump-backed candidate looking to raise costs for New Yorkers. With Republicans struggling to regain traction in the state, Hochul appears to have an opening to capitalize on the infighting within the GOP.
The Republican primary has set up a showdown between two factions within the party: those aligned with Trump and those who are more moderate. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Blakeman's candidacy will prove a blessing or a curse for Stefanik's campaign.
Blakeman thinks he can take on Hochul? More like Blakeman thinks he can take on Trump again 
and win, lololol what a joke! 
and waiting for the convention to come 
. Can't wait for this primary battle to get REAL 
! I'm low-key excited to see how this plays out, especially since he's got a strong record on public safety and taxes in Nassau County. I think it's interesting that Stefanik's camp is trying to paint Blakeman as a MAGA cheerleader, but let's be real, he's just trying to represent the suburbs that have been feeling left behind 
.
. One thing's for sure, this is gonna be an epic primary battle! 
but anyway, back to politics... what's up with blakeman going after stefanik in the GOP primary? seems like he's trying to take on trump's legacy or something? and btw, has anyone tried that new avocados from california that just came out? i heard they're to die for 
think he's got a good shot at taking down Hochul, but what if he doesn't? maybe Stefanik's strategy was right all along 
I mean, Blakeman's not exactly known for his policy chops, and he's just riding the Trump coattails. it's crazy how easily the GOP is being pwned by infighting 
Hochul's got this one in the bag, imo
. But at the same time, Stefanik has been building a strong campaign team and it'll be interesting to see how the party dynamics play out 
. Maybe this is what NYGOP needed - some fresh air 
? Only time will tell if Blakeman's gamble pays off or not 
️. Newsflash: New York State is not that simple! The fact that the GOP is divided between Trump fans and moderates is giving me major anxiety 
. Can't wait to see how this all plays out on election day 
#GOPPrimary #NewYorkGovernor #ElectionSeason #PoliticsIsSoDramatic
? It's gonna be interesting to see how this plays out, especially with Hochul capitalizing on the infighting within the GOP. Stefanik might have a tough road ahead of her, but I'm rooting for someone who can represent the party without being too extreme 
Hochul's already pouncing on this opportunity to hammer Stefanik and the GOP, might just be the one to break the Democrats' stranglehold... time will tell if Blakeman's enthusiasm is enough to shake things up.