Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman accepted the New York State Republican Party’s nomination for governor Tuesday, pledging to unite Republicans across the state to defeat Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in November.
Speaking at the GOP convention at the Garden City Hotel in Nassau County, Blakeman thanked party leaders and highlighted what he called a strong Long Island partnership. “We have a great partnership here on Long Island,” he said, acknowledging state and local officials including Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay.
Blakeman told delegates they were embarking on a statewide mission. “We have people from every part of the state — from Jamestown across to Plattsburgh, all the way down to New York City and out to Montauk Point,” he said. “We are a party of every race, every religion, every ethnic group, people of all abilities and lifestyles. We come together with principles and values.”
He drew loud applause when he praised former President Donald Trump and sharply criticized Hochul’s leadership. “Look at what this country would be like if we had one more year of comrade Kathy,” Blakeman said.
Blakeman also introduced members of his statewide ticket, calling them “outstanding individuals, people of character, patriotic people, people who care about this state.”
Elected Nassau County executive in 2021, Blakeman has centered his tenure on tax relief and public safety. He eliminated $150 million in planned tax increases, secured multiple credit rating upgrades and sworn in more than 200 new police officers while expanding anti-crime initiatives such as Operation Overwatch.
A former Hempstead town councilman, county legislator and Port Authority commissioner, Blakeman is an attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He lives in Atlantic Beach with his wife, Segal.