TRUMP ENDORSES BRUCE BLAKEMAN FOR NEW YORK GOVERNOR DAYS AFTER ELISE STEFANIK WITHDRAWS

President Donald Trump has formally endorsed Bruce Blakeman, the Republican Nassau County Executive, in the upcoming **2026 New York gubernatorial election — just one day after GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik announced she was withdrawing from the race and would not seek re-election to Congress.

Trump’s endorsement, announced publicly on Saturday, came as Stefanik suspended her governor bid Friday, saying she did not want a prolonged Republican primary. The move now positions Blakeman as the clear GOP nominee to take on Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Blakeman, a two-term county executive from Long Island and a longtime Trump ally, has focused his campaign on public safety and immigration — issues that resonate with the former president’s base.

Stefanik, who had launched her campaign earlier in November, said she is stepping back from politics and will not pursue her congressional seat again. Analysts say Trump’s endorsement may consolidate GOP support behind Blakeman ahead of the general election.