Republican Bruce Blakeman is officially entering the New York governor’s race.

The two-term Nassau County executive formally launched his 2026 campaign with a video early Tuesday morning.

“Bruce Blakeman for governor: A strong leader with a proven track record of delivering the change we need to put New York first,” the video says. 

Stefanik, Hochul react to Blakeman joining N.Y. governor race

Blakeman won reelection on Long Island in November and will now challenge upstate Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for the GOP’s nomination for governor.

“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 and New Yorkers last as he blows up the best opportunity in a generation to Save New York,” Stefanik’s campaign said in a statement Monday when news broke of his apparent bid. 

New York has not elected a Republican governor since George Pataki won a third term in 2002.

Incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is seeking reelection to a second full term. She is facing a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. 

“Bootlicker Bruce Blakeman has lost just about every race he’s touched – county legislator, comptroller, Congress, even U.S. Senate. There’s a reason: just like Donald Trump, he takes money out of New Yorkers’ pockets and squeezes working families at every turn,” Hochul’s campaign said in a statement Tuesday morning. 

Blakeman’s rising national profile

Blakeman has gained a national profile for his conservative stance, which has energized his GOP base.

On social media on Monday night, Blakeman thanked Mr. Trump for recognizing him as “great” in the conversation for New York governor.

“We’ll think about it, but he’s great and she’s great. They’re both great people. We have a lot of great people with the Republican party,” President Trump said Monday, when asked if he would be giving an endorsement.   

Before winning reelection in Nassau County, there were questions about whether Blakeman would serve out his term. Political allies have long seen him as a viable GOP candidate in the gubernatorial race.

“I am going to work very hard to keep taxes down. I haven’t raised taxes one penny in four years,” he said during his reelection campaign against Democratic Legislator Seth Koslow.

Issues that helped propel Blakeman to victory in November were his stances on, among others, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, transgender athlete bans, and opioid settlement money.