President endorses Nassau County leader for New York governor one day after Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., withdrew from the 2026 gubernatorial campaign.<\/b>
\nPresident Donald Trump endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for governor of New York on Saturday, throwing his support behind the Long Island Republican one day after Rep. Elise Stefanik withdrew from the race.
Trump announced the endorsement in a lengthy post on Truth Social, calling Blakeman \u00ab\u00a0highly respected and very popular\u00a0\u00bb and praising his record on immigration enforcement, public safety and economic issues.
\u00ab\u00a0Highly Respected and very popular Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman, is running to be the next Governor of New York\u00a0\u00bb, Trump wrote.
The endorsement follows Fox News Digital exclusive reporting that Stefanik\u2019s surprise decision not to run was driven in part by concerns over Trump\u2019s lack of a clear commitment to backing her in the New York governor\u2019s race, according to sources.
\u00ab\u00a0Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning\u00a0\u00bb, Trump added.
In his post, Trump praised Blakeman\u2019s work with federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement, framing the race around border security and crime, issues Republicans have emphasized in historically blue states.
\u00ab\u00a0As Nassau County Executive, he is working tirelessly with the Brave Heroes of ICE, Border Patrol, and Law Enforcement to Keep Our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Community, and Ensure LAW AND ORDER\u00a0\u00bb, Trump wrote.
Blakeman welcomed Trump\u2019s endorsement, aligning himself closely with the president\u2019s policy agenda.
\u00ab\u00a0I am blessed and grateful to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump\u00a0\u00bb, Blakeman said in a statement obtained by Fox News. \u00ab\u00a0President 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.\u00a0\u00bb
Trump said Blakeman would continue that agenda statewide if elected.
\u00ab\u00a0As your next Governor, Bruce will continue to fight hard to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes, and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Strengthen our Military\/Veterans, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment\u00a0\u00bb, Trump wrote.
Blakeman currently serves as Nassau County Executive, leading New York\u2019s largest suburban county. He has positioned himself as a tough-on-crime executive and a vocal critic of New York\u2019s immigration and criminal justice policies.
Trump framed the endorsement as part of a broader effort to reclaim what he described as a state in decline under Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul’s leadership.
\u00ab\u00a0Bruce 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!)\u00a0\u00bb, Trump wrote.
The endorsement follows Stefanik\u2019s announcement Friday that she would not enter the race, a decision that immediately reshaped the gubernatorial playing field.
Stefanik, a close Trump ally and member of House GOP leadership, had been widely viewed as the top candidate heading into 2026.
The campaign for Elise Stefanik for Governor did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n