Trump Issues Endorsement In Closely-Watched Gubernatorial Race After Abrupt Drop-Out

President Donald Trump moved quickly to reshape New York’s governor’s race Saturday, endorsing Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman just one day after Rep. Elise Stefanik abruptly bowed out.

Trump made the endorsement in a lengthy Truth Social post, casting the Long Island Republican as a proven ally and a hardliner on immigration, crime, and the economy.

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

The endorsement landed less than 24 hours after Stefanik’s surprise decision not to run, a move that immediately scrambled the GOP field. Fox News Digital previously reported that her withdrawal was driven in part by concerns that Trump had not committed to backing her bid, according to sources.

Trump made clear where his loyalty now stands.

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

In his post, Trump leaned heavily into border security and public safety, issues Republicans see as potent even in deep-blue states like New York. He praised Blakeman’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities and local police, tying Nassau County’s approach to a broader national crackdown.

“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.

Blakeman welcomed the endorsement and echoed Trump’s message, aligning himself squarely with the president’s agenda.

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

Trump said Blakeman would take those priorities statewide if elected, promising an aggressive conservative agenda in Albany.

“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 serves as Nassau County Executive, leading New York’s largest suburban county. He has built his profile as a tough-on-crime executive and a vocal critic of the state’s immigration policies and bail reforms, frequently clashing with Democratic leaders in Albany.

Trump framed the endorsement as part of a broader effort to claw back a state he argued has deteriorated under Democratic control, taking direct aim at Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“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.

The endorsement follows Stefanik’s announcement Friday that she would not enter the race, a decision that dramatically altered the 2026 landscape. Stefanik, a close Trump ally and member of House GOP leadership, had been widely viewed as the party’s strongest potential challenger to Hochul.

Hochul is seeking a second four-year term. She was sworn in as governor in August 2021 after then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned amid multiple scandals, having previously served as the state’s lieutenant governor.

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