Bruce Blakeman stepped onto the stage at an upstate GOP fundraiser just hours after Elise Stefanik dropped out of the 2026 governor’s race, according to Spectrum News 1. The Nassau County executive replaced Stefanik as keynote in Oneida County and immediately signaled he’s ready to take on Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Stefanik suspended her short-lived campaign Friday, citing family priorities. That move cleared the field for Blakeman, a close ally of President Donald Trump, who quickly secured Trump’s endorsement and avoided a Republican primary.
Blakeman pitched himself as a moderate Republican with strong suburban appeal, backing some gun restrictions while taking a hard line on immigration. Hochul brushed off his candidacy, calling state Republicans chaotic, and said she’s confident voters will reject any Trump-backed challenger.
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