Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R) is betting his experience leading one of New York’s most populous counties can pave his path to the governor’s mansion.
Blakeman is trying to win a statewide race in a Democratic stronghold where no Republican has secured such a victory since 2002. And he is trying to pull off this feat while touting the double-edged sword of an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
A longtime fixture of New York politics, Blakeman has spoken of his direct line to Trump, but said his campaign will focus more on local concerns, such as addressing cost-of-living issues ...