Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has thrown his hat into the ring for New York governor, sparking a crowded and competitive Republican primary that could potentially upset party leaders' plans. In a recent social media post, Blakeman declared himself ready to take on Governor Kathy Hochul, touting his record on public safety, immigration, and taxes in Nassau County as key selling points.
Blakeman's decision to run comes as the state GOP is gearing up for next year's election, with party leaders hoping to avoid a contentious primary. However, U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik has already thrown her own hat into the ring, aligning herself with Blakeman and President Donald Trump. The two candidates are likely to engage in a fierce battle for the Republican nomination, with the winner going on to face Hochul in a general election that could potentially be won by the GOP.
According to party insiders, Stefanik is seen as the stronger candidate, but Blakeman has attempted to build support among suburban New York voters who have increasingly swung towards Trump since 2016. However, his decision to run for governor may ultimately prove costly, with Hochul's campaign accusing him of being a "MAGA cheerleader" and working to raise costs for the state.
The Republican primary is shaping up to be a crucial contest, as Republicans last won a statewide New York race in 2002. However, the strong showing by nominee Lee Zeldin against Hochul in the 2022 gubernatorial election has sparked hopes of a GOP comeback in Albany. The outcome of next year's primary will undoubtedly have significant implications for the state's politics and the direction of Republican policy in New York.
Blakeman's decision to run comes as the state GOP is gearing up for next year's election, with party leaders hoping to avoid a contentious primary. However, U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik has already thrown her own hat into the ring, aligning herself with Blakeman and President Donald Trump. The two candidates are likely to engage in a fierce battle for the Republican nomination, with the winner going on to face Hochul in a general election that could potentially be won by the GOP.
According to party insiders, Stefanik is seen as the stronger candidate, but Blakeman has attempted to build support among suburban New York voters who have increasingly swung towards Trump since 2016. However, his decision to run for governor may ultimately prove costly, with Hochul's campaign accusing him of being a "MAGA cheerleader" and working to raise costs for the state.
The Republican primary is shaping up to be a crucial contest, as Republicans last won a statewide New York race in 2002. However, the strong showing by nominee Lee Zeldin against Hochul in the 2022 gubernatorial election has sparked hopes of a GOP comeback in Albany. The outcome of next year's primary will undoubtedly have significant implications for the state's politics and the direction of Republican policy in New York.
it's gonna be so intense! i'm thinking, like, what if he actually wins? wouldnt that mean Hochul is outta there for good? but at the same time, Elise Stefanik seems super strong in the running... idk how this all plays out 
i just know one thing - whoever wins the primary is gonna bring some major changes to NY politics 
This Blakeman guy is throwing down the gauntlet, huh? I think he's got some decent points on public safety and taxes, but that MAGA label might be a major turnoff for some people... 
. I mean, I know he has a good track record on public safety and taxes, but that's all he got going for him. Stefanik is still the stronger candidate in my book, and I think she's gonna give Blakeman a run for his money 
. But you know what? The Republican primary could actually be kind of exciting to watch 
. It'll be interesting to see how this whole MAGA cheerleader thing plays out though 
.
The GOP needs a winner, not just a spoiler. And what about the voters who aren't as swayed by Trump's brand of politics? Will Blakeman or Stefanik be able to find common ground with them? 
. Blakeman's trying to appeal to the suburban voters who've been feeling left behind by Dems, and if he can pull it off, he might just have a shot at winning over some of those Hochul votes 
. Can you imagine a scenario where Blakeman takes down Hochul?