Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is increasingly aligning himself with Donald Trump and the former president’s political message as he seeks to build support among Republicans across upstate New York in his campaign against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Speaking Sunday at a Republican rally near Great Sacandaga Lake, Blakeman made immigration a central part of his message. He sharply criticized the state’s spending on assistance for asylum seekers who were transported to New York City during the Biden administration.
Blakeman highlighted the roughly $3.9 billion the state has directed toward shelter and other assistance for migrants, arguing that New York taxpayers are being forced to bear the cost.
His remarks drew a strong reaction from the crowd, many of whom were enthusiastic supporters of Trump.
Hochul has defended the state’s response to migrants, saying providing assistance was the right thing to do. She has also signed legislation restricting cooperation between local governments and federal immigration authorities.
That law has created a potential clash with Nassau County, one of several local jurisdictions challenging or questioning how the new rules should be implemented. Blakeman has said he is consulting with attorneys about whether his administration will resist the law following an initial ruling that allowed the state to proceed.
Hochul, meanwhile, argues that the legislation will improve public safety by allowing local police departments to focus on criminal investigations rather than federal immigration enforcement. She has also criticized the Trump administration for detaining immigrants who have not been accused of crimes.
Blakeman Makes His Trump Connection a Feature
Blakeman is not attempting to distance himself from Trump. In fact, the Nassau County executive is scheduled to appear alongside the president at an event in Nassau County on Friday.
Hochul’s campaign has attacked Blakeman as a “MAGA fanboy.” Blakeman has responded that Hochul is focusing on his relationship with Trump because she does not want voters to examine her record as governor.
At Sunday’s rally, Trump supporters made their allegiance clear. Angela Ryan, a 68-year-old attendee who drove about an hour to the event, said she was concerned about immigration and supported Blakeman largely because of his connection to Trump.
But the strategy carries risks in a state where Trump remains unpopular with many voters.
A recent Siena University poll found that 60% of likely New York voters disapproved of Trump’s performance, while 37% approved. Democrats also maintain a substantial registration advantage over Republicans statewide.
Experts Warn Against Relying Too Heavily on Culture Wars
Grant Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, said Blakeman may need to emphasize issues such as household expenses and energy costs if he hopes to attract independent voters.
Those issues may not generate the same emotional response as immigration or other cultural issues, Reeher said, but they could be more important in a statewide race.
New York’s political geography also presents a major challenge for any Republican candidate. A GOP contender needs overwhelming support in heavily Republican parts of upstate New York, while also performing strongly on Long Island and in the northern suburbs of New York City. Winning a significant share of votes in New York City would also be necessary.
A recent Siena poll nevertheless showed Blakeman narrowing the gap somewhat, with Hochul leading 49% to 39% among likely voters.
Hochul held a commanding 64%-19% advantage in New York City, while Blakeman led 49%-41% in the suburbs. Upstate, the race was much closer, with Blakeman ahead by only 46%-45%, a margin within the poll’s 4.2-point margin of error.
Stefanik’s Departure Reshaped the GOP Race
Blakeman’s campaign also faces the challenge of consolidating Republicans who had previously backed Elise Stefanik.
The six-term congresswoman ended her own gubernatorial campaign last year, choosing not to spend resources on a primary fight against Blakeman. Stefanik remains a nationally recognized Republican and has about $10.8 million in her congressional campaign account—roughly twice Blakeman’s available funds.
Reeher believes Stefanik might have been a stronger statewide candidate and said her withdrawal forced Republican voters and party leaders to reconsider their options.
Some GOP leaders who had strongly supported Stefanik are now rallying behind Blakeman.
Gun Policy Creates Another Contrast
The Republican candidates also differ on gun policy.
Blakeman has said he supports “reasonable restrictions” on gun ownership and complied with New York’s 2022 law establishing gun-free zones in certain public locations and houses of worship.
Stefanik, by contrast, was a vocal opponent of several gun-control measures passed by New York Democrats.
Although Stefanik has not endorsed Blakeman, members of her political operation are now backing congressional candidate Anthony Constantino, who invited Blakeman to Sunday’s rally.
Constantino, a former boxer and outspoken Trump supporter, said his goal is to maximize Republican turnout in the North Country and help Blakeman’s campaign.
Blakeman, for his part, appears determined to move forward without dwelling on old Republican rivalries.
“In politics, only amateurs stay mad,” he said.
