Donald Trump Endorses ‘FANTASTIC Guy’ for New York Governor After Stefanik Exit

President Donald Trump on Saturday endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for governor of New York, backing the Long Island Republican one day after Rep. Elise Stefanik announced she would not enter the race, as reported by Fox News.

Trump made the endorsement in a lengthy post on Truth Social, praising Blakeman’s leadership record and alignment with his administration’s priorities.

“Highly Respected and very popular Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman, is running to be the next Governor of New York,” Trump wrote.

The endorsement came amid fallout from Stefanik’s surprise decision to forgo a gubernatorial bid.

Fox News Digital previously reported that her decision was driven in part by concerns over Trump’s lack of a clear commitment to back her in the race, according to sources.

“Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump added.

Trump highlighted Blakeman’s approach to immigration enforcement and public safety, framing the contest around issues Republicans have emphasized in Democratic-controlled states.

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“As 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,” Trump wrote.

One day after Elise Stefanik dropped out of the New York Governor’s race, President Trump has endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for Governor of New York. pic.twitter.com/h07NaqFQUl

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 20, 2025

Blakeman welcomed the endorsement in a statement obtained by Fox News. “I am blessed and grateful to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump,” Blakeman said.

“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.”

I am grateful and blessed to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump. pic.twitter.com/S4n6PcfYSs

— Bruce Blakeman (@NassauExec) December 20, 2025

Trump said Blakeman would extend that agenda statewide if elected.

“As 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,” Trump wrote.

Blakeman currently leads Nassau County, New York’s largest suburban county. He has positioned himself as a tough-on-crime executive and a critic of the state’s immigration and criminal justice policies.

Trump framed the endorsement as part of a broader effort to reverse what he described as New York’s decline under Democratic leadership.

“Bruce 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!),” Trump wrote.

Stefanik’s withdrawal on Friday reshaped the 2026 gubernatorial field. A close Trump ally and member of House GOP leadership, she had been widely viewed as the strongest Republican contender.

Her campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is seeking a second four-year term, was sworn in as governor in August 2021 after then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned amid multiple scandals. Hochul made history as New York’s first female governor.

Hochul’s campaign responded by tying Blakeman directly to Trump.

“Donald Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman for one reason: he’ll put Trump first, New York last, and leave families to foot the bill,” Hochul campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said in a statement.

“Take it from Trump, Blakeman is ‘MAGA all the way’ – he cheered Trump’s expensive tariffs that jack up costs for New Yorkers, ran Nassau’s safety-net hospital into the ground, and stayed silent when Trump slashed nearly $200 million from the NYPD.”

Chitika also referenced Stefanik, arguing that “Blakeman should have learned a lesson from Elise Stefanik: MAGA sellouts don’t win New York, and they sure as hell don’t end up in the governor’s mansion.”

The Hochul campaign highlighted Blakeman’s past electoral losses, including unsuccessful bids for the U.S. Senate in 2010 and the U.S. House in 2014.

The most recent poll in the 2026 race, conducted before Stefanik exited, showed Hochul with large double-digit leads over both Stefanik and Blakeman in hypothetical general election matchups.

It has been nearly 25 years since a Republican last won the New York governorship. The most recent GOP victory was George Pataki, who won a third term in 2002.

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