UPDATE: Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is poised to officially announce his candidacy for New York governor as soon as today, igniting a competitive primary race against Rep. Elise Stefanik. This pivotal announcement is expected to reshape the political landscape as both candidates aim to unseat incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul in the upcoming November 2024 election.
Blakeman’s entry into the race comes amidst reports that New York’s Republican Party leaders are not in favor of a primary battle between the two prominent figures. Both candidates are vying for the crucial support of former President Donald Trump, who earlier today praised both Blakeman and Stefanik as “great people.”
In a statement, Trump remarked, “He’s great. And she’s great. We have a lot of great people in the Republican Party.” As the political drama unfolds, Hochul responded to the looming Republican primary by stating, “It makes it much more entertaining for me,” highlighting her confidence in facing off against either contender.
The stakes are high for both Blakeman and Stefanik, as they strategize to secure their positions within the party and gain momentum leading up to the election. With Trump’s endorsement potentially playing a significant role in their campaigns, all eyes will be on the announcement today.
As the situation develops, the implications of this primary could resonate across New York’s political arena. Stay tuned for further updates as we cover this breaking story.
