Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is expected to launch a Republican campaign for New York governor this week, according to multiple reports, including the Associated Press.
His move sets up a likely primary battle with U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik in a race that could test the direction of the GOP in a deep-blue state.
Blakeman, a Trump-aligned Republican who was recently re-elected in Nassau County, had been traveling the state and publicly weighing a run. He’s made appearances in Albany, New York City and Plattsburgh, pitching himself as the candidate best positioned to win over suburban voters.
“I think I have a base and a springboard for becoming a governor that's much stronger than anybody else,” Blakeman said last month, citing Republican gains in the Long Island suburbs.
Blakeman's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Stefanik, a congressmember from the North Country and a close ally of President Donald Trump, launched her own campaign in November with backing from former Gov. George Pataki and most of the state’s Republican leadership.
Party Chair Ed Cox has said the GOP intends to avoid a contested primary, but Blakeman appears to be ignoring that call.
The GOP last won a statewide race in New York in 2002, when Pataki secured a third term. But Republican Lee Zeldin’s strong showing in 2022, particularly on Long Island, has fueled hopes of a potential comeback.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is running for re-election and already faces a primary challenge from her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. The 2026 primary is scheduled for June 23.
Jon Campbell contributed reporting.
