Trump Makes Endorsement In NY Gov Race After Stefanik Drops Out

President Donald Trump formally threw his support behind Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman on Saturday, endorsing him for the Republican nomination for New York governor following Rep. Elise Stefanik’s decision to exit the race.

President Trump announced the endorsement on his Truth Social platform, praising Blakeman as a loyal ally and a committed supporter of the MAGA agenda.

“Bruce is MAGA all the way and has been with me from the very beginning. As Nassau County Executive, he is working tirelessly with the Brave Heroes of ICE, Border Patrol, and Law Enforcement to Keep Our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Community, and Ensure LAW AND ORDER,” Trump wrote.

The president added that Blakeman’s priorities align squarely with the administration’s second-term agenda.

“As your next Governor, Bruce will continue to fight hard to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes, and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment!” Trump said.

Blakeman quickly responded to the endorsement, expressing gratitude and underscoring his alignment with President Trump’s leadership and policies.

“I am blessed and grateful to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump,” Blakeman told Fox News. “President Trump is driving down gasoline prices and slashing the cost of prescription drugs. Securing our borders has made America safer. President Trump loves New York and we will be partners in making New York safe and affordable.”

The endorsement followed Stefanik’s announcement late Friday that she was ending her gubernatorial campaign and stepping away from her congressional seat. According to a GOP source familiar with the situation, President Trump’s decision not to endorse Stefanik played a significant role in her withdrawal, Fox News reported.

“The biggest piece of this puzzle was Donald Trump and the fact that he passed three times on endorsing her candidacy,” the source told Fox News Digital.

The source said President Trump declined to offer an endorsement even during a recent Oval Office meeting attended by members of the famed “Miracle on Ice” hockey team. Stefanik, according to the source, viewed Trump’s neutrality as a decisive factor.

Stefanik entered the race last month believing she had a clear path to challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. That outlook shifted after Blakeman—long aligned with President Trump—entered the Republican primary earlier this month, signaling the likelihood of a contested and costly primary battle.

The source said Trump’s refusal to take sides, combined with the prospect of a drawn-out primary fight, weighed heavily on Stefanik’s decision.

“When you start to add these things up, it does not seem that you’re going to have the wind to your back in this cycle,” the source said.

In her statement announcing her withdrawal, Stefanik emphasized gratitude for her supporters while arguing that an extended primary would be counterproductive in a state as challenging as New York.

“I am truly humbled and grateful for the historic and overwhelming support from Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, and Democrats all across the state for our campaign to Save New York,” she said.

“However, as we have seen in past elections, while we would have overwhelmingly won this primary, it is not an effective use of our time or your generous resources to spend the first half of next year in an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary, especially in a challenging state like New York.”

Stefanik also highlighted her family considerations, making clear that motherhood played a central role in her decision.

“And while many know me as Congresswoman, my most important title is Mom. I believe that being a parent is life’s greatest gift and greatest responsibility. I have thought deeply about this and I know that as a mother, I will feel profound regret if I don’t further focus on my young son’s safety, growth, and happiness – particularly at his tender age,” she said.

According to the source, Stefanik’s choice to leave Congress reflected a sense that her chapter in Washington had reached a natural conclusion.

“I am proud of the significant results that we successfully delivered for the hardworking families in our district and across America. It has been a tremendous professional honor to serve as your Congresswoman over the past eleven years. Thank you for your support and encouragement as my family and I look forward to the next meaningful personal and professional chapter,” her statement continued.