This will set up a GOP primary with upstate Rep. Elise Stefanik, who already said she's running.
Stefanik’s campaign released a statement, “Even those in Nassau County who are closest to Bruce Blakeman will tell you that everyone knows Bruce has no shot and is putting his raging ego first and New Yorkers last..."
Both Blakeman and Stefanik are supporters of President Donald Trump.
When the president was asked about a potential endorsement on Monday, he replied, “Well, I think about it, but she's great and he's great; they're both great people.”
Long Islanders had mixed reactions about the possibility of Blakeman running for governor, specifically when it comes to his ban on masks in public places just to conceal your identity and the county's ban on transgender women and girls competing in women's sports at county-run facilities.
“You want to be a transgender, no problem, but you don't belong in women’s sports. Compete with the men,” said Colleen Lagreca, of Garden City
Another Long Islander said, “The transgender ban is ridiculous. I think we're heading in the wrong direction under his leadership."
Republican or Democrat, political strategists say Long Island would likely benefit from having a local leader in charge of the state.
“Long Island always gets the short end when it comes to infrastructure dollars, when it comes to just about everything, so to actually have a Long Islander in the governor's mansion would be tremendous for Long Island,” said Michael Dawidziak, a political strategist.
In a social media post, Blakeman said New Yorkers deserve a leader who will bring down costs, strengthen public safety and put New York first.
Gov. Kathy Hochul released the following statement on Blakeman's announcement:
Bootlicker Bruce Blakeman has lost just about every race he’s touched — county legislator, comptroller, Congress, even U.S. Senate. There’s a reason: just like Donald Trump, he takes money out of New Yorkers’ pockets and squeezes working families at every turn.
Blakeman raised costs on New Yorkers and cheered on Trump’s tariffs like the MAGA fanboy he is — flying all the way to D.C. to applaud higher prices. He gushed that Trump is doing an ‘amazing job’ by gutting Medicaid and jacking up costs.
We’re not about to let him turn the governor’s mansion into Mar-a-Lago North.