Another ally of President Donald Trump has entered the 2026 New York gubernatorial race, challenging U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik for the Republican nomination. Nassau County Executive Blake Blakeman officially launched his campaign on Tuesday, roughly a month after Stefanik announced her bid. Trump has said he does not plan to endorse either candidate, calling both “great people.”
Blakeman has gained attention in GOP circles and among Trump supporters for a series of controversial policies, including banning transgender athletes, collaborating with federal authorities on immigration enforcement, and creating a volunteer law enforcement unit on Long Island, which critics labeled an “illegal, taxpayer-funded civilian militia.” He has also refused to recognize Juneteenth, making Nassau County the only county in New York that does not observe the federal holiday. Blakeman framed his campaign around addressing taxes, utility costs, and crime, stating, “It’s time for a proven leader who will Put New York First.”
Stefanik, who represents New York’s 21st Congressional District across 15 counties, has also positioned herself as a Trump ally. Last year, she was rumored to be a potential vice presidential pick and was nominated for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations before Trump withdrew the nomination. Stefanik officially announced her gubernatorial run in November without mentioning Trump, and her campaign criticized Blakeman’s entry as prioritizing ego over party success. Her spokesperson highlighted polling showing Stefanik leading Blakeman by 70% in a primary, particularly in Long Island, and accused Blakeman of a history of supporting Democrats and losing multiple races.
Governor Kathy Hochul, New York’s first female governor, is seeking re-election in 2026, facing challenges from Democrats, including former Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. Hochul’s campaign labeled Stefanik as putting Trump before New York and called Blakeman a “MAGA fanboy,” criticizing his record of electoral losses and alleging policies that burden working families. The 2026 Republican primary is shaping up as a high-profile contest between two prominent Trump allies with contrasting strategies to unseat Hochul.