Trump backs Jewish conservative Blakeman after Stefanik exits, signaling pro-Israel momentum in New York politics.
US President Donald Trump has thrown his full weight behind Bruce Blakeman, endorsing him for the 2026 New York gubernatorial race just a day after Rep. Elise Stefanik abruptly exited the contest, according to Politico.
Calling Blakeman “MAGA all the way,” Trump praised his loyalty and leadership in a post on Truth Social, declaring that Blakeman has his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to help make New York “great again.” The endorsement immediately reshaped the Republican field.
Blakeman, the first Jewish Nassau County executive and a member of the Orthodox Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, thanked Trump publicly, saying he was “grateful and blessed” for the President’s support—an endorsement that resonates strongly with pro-Israel voters amid rising antisemitism nationwide.
Stefanik’s surprise withdrawal ended what many viewed as a frontrunner campaign against incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. A recent Siena College poll showed Hochul with a double-digit lead over Blakeman, but Trump’s backing is expected to dramatically shift Republican momentum.
Stefanik had built national prominence confronting antisemitism, notably grilling university presidents over calls for Jewish genocide and later speaking at the Knesset after a 2024 visit to Israel. Yet political setbacks—including Trump’s decision not to endorse her—culminated in her exit.
The race now centers on Blakeman: a Jewish, unapologetically pro-Israel conservative with Trump’s seal of approval—positioned as the GOP’s clearest vehicle to challenge Democratic dominance in New York.
