NY Republican Enters Race for Governor in Challenge to Stefanik

Bruce Blakeman, the county executive of Nassau County on Long Island, is running for governor of New York, challenging Elise Stefanik for the Republican nomination.

The two candidates are vying to unseat Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, who is running for reelection.

Blakeman, 70, touted his record of hiring more police officers, lowering crime, cutting taxes and cooperating with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in an announcement video posted on X.

“New York is desperate for change, for new leadership that will put New Yorkers first,” his campaign video said. “For too long Albany has been controlled by ...