On Saturday, former President Donald Trump publicly supported Bruce Blakeman's bid for New York governor. This endorsement came just 24 hours after Representative Elise Stefanik announced she would not compete in the Republican primary.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Blakeman as "FANTASTIC" and gave him his "Complete and Total Endorsement." He wrote: "Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning. 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."
Blakeman, a longtime Trump supporter, joined the Republican primary earlier this month. This move came despite Trump previously encouraging him to focus on his current position as county executive, for which he had already received Trump's backing.
Blakeman's entry into the race presented the first significant challenge to Stefanik, who had formally started her campaign in November. Another potential candidate, Representative Mike Lawler, decided to run for his House seat again after getting Trump's endorsement earlier this year.
Blakeman's decision to run has set up a potentially competitive Republican primary in New York. However, the eventual nominee will likely face difficulties in the generally Democratic-leaning state.
Before Stefanik withdrew, Trump had positive words for both candidates. He called Stefanik a "great Republican" and referred to Blakeman as "a very good Republican."
Earlier this week, Blakeman was present at a White House Hanukkah celebration.
On Friday, Stefanik explained her decision to suspend her campaign and not seek re-election to Congress. She stated: "I would have overwhelmingly won this primary," but wanted to avoid "an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary, especially in a challenging state like New York."
Stefanik previously served as House Republican conference chair starting in 2021. She left that position when Trump chose her for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations earlier this year. After Trump withdrew her nomination, she returned to Congress without a leadership role.
