President Trump backs Blakeman for New York Governor after Stefanik drops out – NBC New York
President Donald Trump on Saturday endorsed Nassau County Government Bruce Blakeman within the race for New York Governor, barely 24 hours after one other favourite of the President, North Nation Rep. Elise Stefanik ended her bid.
“Bruce Blakeman is a FANTASTIC man, will win the large November Election and, with out hesitation, has my Full and Complete Endorsement,” Trump wrote on social media. “Bruce is MAGA all the way in which, and has been with me from the very starting,” he posted.
The president’s announcement comes lower than two weeks after Blakeman launched his bid to unseat Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul. Trump had refused to take sides towards both Blakeman or Stefanik, each seen as enthusiastic loyalists. “He’s nice, and she or he’s nice. They’re each nice folks,” the president advised reporters on Dec. 9, the day Blakeman formally started his quest.
Blakeman mentioned Saturday in a press release that he’s “blessed and grateful” to obtain the endorsement. “President Trump loves New York and we will likely be companions in making New York protected and reasonably priced,” mentioned Blakeman, who not too long ago received reelection as Nassau’s Government.
Hochul’s marketing campaign mocked the endorsement. “Blakeman ought to have realized a lesson from Elise Stefanik: MAGA sellouts don’t win New York,” mentioned marketing campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika. “Donald Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman for one purpose: he’ll put Trump first, New York final, and depart households to foot the invoice,” she mentioned in a press release.
Hochul additionally faces a Democratic main problem from her Lieutenant Governor, Antonio Delgado.
Blakeman has gained consideration for championing a coverage that bans transgender athletes from utilizing county sports activities services. He has additionally created a volunteer legislation enforcement unit that his critics have labeled as a militia and directed county detectives to work alongside federal authorities in Trump’s immigration crackdown.
In a press release following Blakeman’s choice to run, a marketing campaign spokesperson for Stefanik mentioned: “It’s unlucky that he’s placing his ego first to assist prop up Kathy Hochul.”
In her announcement Friday, Stefanik additionally introduced she is not going to search re-election to Congress, ending a run that started together with her victory in 2014. President Trump had briefly nominated her to function UN Ambassador in his second time period, however withdrew her title over fears her upstate seat could possibly be misplaced to a Democrat within the subsequent election.
