Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor’s race after Rep. Stefanik’s exit

President Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman, a Republican county government on New York’s Lengthy Island, for governor on Saturday, only a day after GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik introduced her exit from the highly-contested race.

Mr. Trump initially signaled he wouldn’t make an endorsement at this stage, however Stefanik’s exit cleared the way in which for him to indicate his assist for Blakeman, the two-term Nassau County Government and a longtime ally of the president. 

In a Fact Social submit on Saturday, Mr. Trump mentioned Blakeman is “MAGA all the way in which.”

“As Nassau County Government, he’s working tirelessly with the Courageous Heroes of ICE, Border Patrol, and Regulation Enforcement to Preserve Our Border SECURE, Cease Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Group, and Guarantee LAW AND ORDER,” Mr. Trump wrote.

In response, Blakeman mentioned on social media that he was “grateful and blessed” to have Mr. Trump’s endorsement.

“President Trump loves New York and we will probably be companions in making New York secure and reasonably priced,” Blakeman mentioned.

Mr. Trump known as Blakeman after he entered the race earlier this month, in keeping with sources accustomed to the cellphone name. He informed the county government that he didn’t like seeing “good Republicans” face one another in an electoral battle, referring to Stefanik.

Republicans, who see Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul as susceptible, have been hoping to keep away from a divisive main, which will be costly. A Republican member of Congress with direct data of the race informed CBS Information they believed Stefanik finally concluded {that a} contested Republican main can be troublesome and doubtlessly damaging, even when she have been prone to win.

Underneath New York GOP guidelines, candidates should safe at the very least 25% of the weighted vote on the state occasion’s February conference to qualify for the June main poll, or in any other case submit nominating petitions.

Blakeman has gained a nationwide profile for his conservative stance, which has energized his GOP base. Points that helped propel him to victory in November have been his positions on, amongst different points, immigration enforcement, transgender athlete bans and opioid settlement cash. Mr. Trump additionally endorsed the Nassau County government for reelection over the summer time.

New York has not elected a Republican governor since George Pataki received a 3rd time period in 2002.