President Donald Trump backed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor Saturday, a day after Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) announced her stunning withdrawal from the race.
“Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning,” the president posted on his Truth Social account, in his first endorsement since the dramatic development in the Republican primary.
He called Blakeman, a longtime friend, a “fantastic guy” who will “win the big November Election” against Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY).
President Donald Trump backed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor Saturday. AP
“I am blessed and grateful to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump,” Blakeman said in a statement.
“President Trump is driving down gasoline prices and slashing the cost of prescription drugs. Securing our borders has made America safer. President Trump loves New York and we will be partners in making New York safe and affordable,” he added.
Trump said “without hesitation” that Blakeman “has my Complete and Total Endorsement of the ONCE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK” and said Blakeman “WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
NY Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik dropped out of the race for NY governor Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Getty Images
The president’s unequivocal praise came after he spoke highly of both candidates for the previous two weeks – and could serve to discourage any further primary drama or even clear the field, after Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) left the door open to taking another look at the race.
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“I’m going to take a little bit of time before I comment further as to what I may or may not do,” he told CNN in the minutes after Stefanik’s shock Friday announcement.
Lawler had earlier endorsed Stefanik. His office didn’t respond to a request for comment Saturday.
Hochul accused Blakeman of “taking presidential a**-kissing to new heights.”
“Donald Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman for one reason: he’ll put Trump first, New York last, and leave families to foot the bill. Take it from Trump, Blakeman is ‘MAGA all the way’” Hochul Campaign Spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said in a statement.
