UPDATE: Republican Bruce Blakeman has officially launched his campaign for New York governor, intensifying the race for the 2026 election. Early Tuesday morning, the two-term Nassau County executive shared a powerful campaign video declaring, “Bruce Blakeman for governor: A strong leader with a proven track record of delivering the change we need to put New York first.”
Blakeman, who recently won reelection in November, is set to face off against Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for the GOP nomination. His entry adds urgency to a race that has not seen a Republican governor since George Pataki completed his third term in 2002.
In a statement reacting to Blakeman’s announcement, Stefanik’s campaign criticized him, saying, “Even those in Nassau County who are closest to Bruce Blakeman will tell you that everyone knows Bruce has no shot and is putting his raging ego first.”
Meanwhile, incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat seeking her second full term, is facing a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. Hochul’s campaign also weighed in, labeling Blakeman a “bootlicker” and asserting, “There’s a reason: just like Donald Trump, he takes money out of New Yorkers’ pockets and squeezes working families at every turn.”
Blakeman has cultivated a national profile for his conservative policies, energizing his GOP base. He expressed gratitude on social media for Donald Trump recognizing his gubernatorial ambitions, stating, “We’ll think about it, but he’s great and she’s great. They’re both great people.”
Political analysts had previously speculated about Blakeman’s commitment to serving his full term after his recent reelection. However, his allies have long viewed him as a formidable contender for the gubernatorial race. Blakeman emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility, stating, “I am going to work very hard to keep taxes down. I haven’t raised taxes one penny in four years.”
Key issues that bolstered Blakeman’s recent victory included his stances on immigration enforcement, bans on transgender athletes, and the distribution of opioid settlement funds. As the race heats up, all eyes will be on how Blakeman’s strategies resonate with voters and influence the upcoming primaries.
What happens next? New Yorkers are urged to stay tuned as polls begin to gauge public sentiment towards Blakeman and his rivals in the lead-up to the 2026 gubernatorial election.
