Overview
- Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman formally launched his 2026 bid on Tuesday with a message centered on affordability, public safety and “putting New York first.”
- His entry creates a likely Republican primary against Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has backing from state GOP Chair Ed Cox as party leaders signal a preference to avoid a contest.
- President Trump praised both candidates and has not endorsed either, and Blakeman criticized Cox’s endorsement strategy in an interview after his launch.
- Early indicators favor Stefanik, with a November poll showing her leading Blakeman roughly 74% to 4–5% among GOP voters and campaign filings reflecting about $12 million on hand to Blakeman’s roughly $1 million.
- Blakeman can reach the ballot by winning 25% of convention delegates or filing 15,000 valid signatures with geographic distribution, as scrutiny of his Nassau record includes a transgender sports ban and a volunteer law enforcement unit criticized by opponents.