Trump endorses Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for New York governor after Stefanik exit

By Fox News · Fox News

President Donald Trump endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for governor of New York on Saturday, throwing his support behind the Long Island Republican one day after Rep. Elise Stefanik withdrew from the race. Trump announced the endorsement in a lengthy post on Truth Social , calling Blakeman "highly respected and very popular" and praising his record on immigration enforcement, public safety and economic issues. "Highly Respected and very popular Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman, is running to be the next Governor of New York," Trump wrote. INSIDE STEFANIK’S EXIT AND HOW THE TRUMP ENDORSEMENT THAT NEVER CAME WAS 'BIGGEST PIECE' OF THE 'PUZZLE' The endorsement follows Fox News Digital exclusive reporting that Stefanik’s surprise decision not to run was driven in part by concerns over Trump’s lack of a clear commitment to backing her in the New York governor ’s race, according to sources. "Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning," Trump added. In his post, Trump praised Blakeman’s work with federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement, framing the race around border security and crime, issues Republicans have emphasized in historically blue states. "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. EXCLUSIVE: STEFANIK STEAMROLLS TOP CONSERVATIVE OPPONENT AS GOP LEADERS HAND HER COMMANDING EDGE IN NY PRIMARY Blakeman welcomed Trump’s endorsement, aligning himself closely with the president’s policy agenda. "I am blessed and grateful to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump," Blakeman said in a statement obtained by 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…