Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman launched his long-anticipated bid for governor on Tuesday, thrusting the Long Island Republican into what is shaping up to be one of the marquee primaries of 2026.

Blakeman, 70, made the announcement in a Facebook post and accompanying campaign video, framing his run as a fight against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul’s stewardship of the state.

“Our state is struggling under policies that have driven up taxes, utility bills, and crime. It’s time for a proven leader who will Put New York First,” he wrote. “New Yorkers deserve leadership that works — not more empty promises. I’m ready to take on Kathy Hochul and get results for our families.”

The video presents Nassau County — which Blakeman regularly touts as “the safest county in America” — as a model for statewide governance. The message leans heavily on his alliance with Trump-era immigration enforcement, an issue he has made central to his county leadership and now his statewide pitch.

Blakeman will face off against Rep. Elise Stefanik – the hard-charging House GOP Conference chair who has spent years cultivating national conservative star power – in the primary. Trump nominated Stefanik for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations last year before pulling the nomination to protect the party’s razor-thin House majority.

So far, the president isn’t picking sides. Asked Monday about the looming showdown between two of his allies, Trump demurred: “She’s great. He’s also great,” he said, adding only, “I’ll think about” whether to issue an endorsement.

The non-answer underscores a dynamic that could define the race: While both candidates have aligned themselves closely with Trump, only one is likely to enjoy his active backing, and the fundraising muscle and primary-voter enthusiasm that comes with it.

Blakeman is betting that a law-and-order message rooted in suburban politics can break through. Stefanik, meanwhile, brings national prominence, a formidable donor base, and deep support among the state’s conservative activists.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)