Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman celebrates reelection at the Nassau Republican GOP headquarters on election night at the Coral House in Baldwin, N.Y., Nov. 4. (Steve Pfost/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
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.
President Donald Trump is greeted by Bruce Blakeman, County Executive of Nassau County, Sept. 26, in Farmingdale, N.Y. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
"As your next Governor, Bruce will continue to fight hard to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes, and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment," Trump wrote.
Blakeman currently serves as Nassau County Executive, leading New York’s largest suburban county. He has positioned himself as a tough-on-crime executive and a vocal critic of New York’s immigration and criminal justice policies.
Trump framed the endorsement as part of a broader effort to reclaim what he described as a state in decline under Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul's leadership.
"Bruce Blakeman is a FANTASTIC guy, will win the big November Election and, without hesitation, has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Governor of the ONCE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK (IT CAN BE GREAT AGAIN!)," Trump wrote.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The endorsement follows Stefanik’s announcement Friday that she would not enter the race, a decision that immediately reshaped the gubernatorial playing field.
Stefanik, a close Trump ally and member of House GOP leadership, had been widely viewed as the top candidate heading into 2026.
The campaign for Elise Stefanik for Governor did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-endorses-nassau-county-executive-bruce-blakeman-new-york-governor-after-stefanik-exit