President Donald Trump on Saturday endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in the New York governor's race after upstate Congresswoman Elise Stefanik dropped out of the Republican primary.
Calling Blakeman "a FANTASTIC guy," on social media, Trump endorsed the Long Island official and said he will beat Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, in the November 2026 general election.
"Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning," Trump wrote.
Although New York is a blue state, the upcoming governor’s race has drawn national attention as it will be a test of how far Trump’s policies may influence the midterm elections, which also includes key congressional contests.
Stefanik, who declared her governor's run in early November, was not happy when she did not get the president's endorsement right away, The New York Times reported.
On Friday, Stefanik said she was dropping her bid and would also not run for re-election to instead focus on her family.
"While spending precious time with my family this Christmas season, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for governor and will not seek re-election to Congress," she wrote on X. "I did not come to this decision lightly for our family."
Governor Hochul on Saturday dismissed Trump's endorsement of Blakeman, who jumped into the race earlier this month.
"Like any coward, Blakeman will always put Trump first — no matter how much it hurts New Yorkers. Bring it on," she wrote on X.
