The New York Conservative Party has endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for governor, casting the Long Island Republican as a remedy to what party leaders describe as the failed policies of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Conservative Chairman Jerry Kassar said New Yorkers are being “crushed” by rising taxes, utility rates, and living costs, while crime has also increased under Hochul’s leadership. He pointed to state policies including cashless bail, Clean Slate, and Less Is More as weakening public safety, and criticized state spending priorities amid continued out-migration.
“Under Kathy Hochul, New York has become one of the most unaffordable states in the nation,” Kassar said, noting that families and businesses are leaving because they can no longer afford to stay. He said change begins with electing Blakeman, citing the county executive’s record on taxes, law enforcement, and what he called common-sense governance.
As Nassau County executive, Blakeman has emphasized cooperation with federal immigration authorities to remove dangerous criminals, vocal support for police, and policies he says protect fairness in women’s sports. “While Albany politicians talk, Bruce Blakeman acts,” Kassar said in announcing the endorsement.
Blakeman welcomed the backing, saying he and Kassar share a mission to put taxpayers and public safety first. He pledged to lower taxes, back law enforcement, and “restore common sense” to state government.
The Conservative Party endorsement follows a major boost for Blakeman on the national stage. President Donald Trump threw his weight behind Blakeman after another GOP favorite, Rep. Elise Stefanik, bowed out of the race. Trump praised Blakeman’s work with ICE and law enforcement and called him “MAGA all the way,” offering what he described as a “complete and total endorsement.”
With Stefanik out, Blakeman has emerged as the GOP frontrunner. As the incumbent in a decidedly blue state, Hochul holds built-in advantages that Blakeman must overcome, particularly in fundraising and name recognition outside of Long Island.