Trump backs Bruce Blakeman for NY governor after Elise Stefanik exits GOP race: ‘He is fantastic guy’
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Donald Trump has endorsed Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, just a day after Republican Rep Elise Stefanik announced she was dropping out of the race.
Trump praised Blakeman as a strong Republican leader and urged the party to rally behind him as the GOP seeks to challenge Kathy Hochul in the next election.
Trump backs Bruce Blakeman in New York governor race
🚨 JUST IN: President Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman for governor of NEW YORK now that Elise Stefanik has dropped out
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 20, 2025
"Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning."
"Bruce Blakeman is a FANTASTIC guy, will win the big November Election and, without… pic.twitter.com/GKBuqFUrkZ
Donald Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Saturday, December 20.
“Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning,” the president posted on his Truth Social account, marking his first endorsement since the dramatic development in the Republican primary.
Trump referred to Blakeman as a long-time ally and a “fantastic guy” who will “win the big November Election” against Gov Kathy Hochul. “I am blessed and grateful to have the endorsement of President Donald J Trump,” Blakeman said in a statement.
“President Trump is driving down gasoline prices and slashing the cost of prescription d&ugs. Securing our borders has made America safer. President Trump loves New York and we will be partners in making New York safe and affordable,” he added.
Trump said “without hesitation” that Blakeman “has my Complete and Total Endorsement of the ONCE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK” and declared that Blakeman “WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Kathy Hochul attacks Trump-backed Bruce Blakeman over MAGA ties
Kathy Hochul criticized Bruce Blakeman following Donald Trump’s endorsement, which came after the president spoke favorably of multiple candidates over the previous two weeks.
The move could reduce the chances of a contested primary or even clear the field altogether, particularly after Rep Mike Lawler left the door open to reconsidering a run.
“I’m going to take a little bit of time before I comment further as to what I may or may not do,” he told CNN in the minutes following Rep Elise Stefanik’s surprise Friday announcement.
Hochul accused Blakeman of “taking presidential a**-kissing to new heights.”
“Donald Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman for one reason: he’ll put Trump first, New York last, and leave families to foot the bill. Take it from Trump, Blakeman is ‘MAGA all the way’” Hochul campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said in a statement.
Elise Stefanik drops out of New York governor race
Elise Stefanik announced her exit from the New York governor’s race in a statement posted on X on Friday, December 19.
Stefanik said that after reflecting with her family during the Christmas season, she decided to suspend her campaign for governor and end her tenure in the House of Representatives.
While spending precious time with my family this Christmas season, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Governor and will not seek re-election to Congress. I did not come to this decision lightly for our family.
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) December 19, 2025
I am truly humbled and grateful for the historic and…
She noted that while she remained confident in her ability to win a Republican primary, she concluded that such a contest “is not an effective use of our time or your generous resources.”
Stefanik also expressed gratitude for the “historic and overwhelming support from Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, and Democrats all across the state” who backed her “campaign to Save New York.”
