With Stefanik out of governor’s race, Ortt endorses Blakeman

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 December 2025 at 11:59 am

State Sen. Rob Ortt, left, has endorsed Bruce Blakeman, right, for governor. Blakeman is the current Nassau County Executive.

State Sen. Rob Ortt announced his endorsement of Bruce Blakeman for governor.

Ortt, leader of the Republican conference in the State Senate, previously endorsed Elise Stefanik, a congresswoman from northern New York. She stepped back from the race on Friday and announced she won’t be seeking re-election to Congress.

Blakeman is current county executive for Nassau County. He seeks to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul who is seeking re-election in 2026.

“Bruce Blakeman is a proven fighter for everyday New Yorkers,” Ortt said. “He is tough, smart, and fearless in standing up to the radical policies that have made our state less affordable and less safe. Bruce has the proven executive experience needed to defeat Kathy Hochul and show voters what real leadership looks like.

“I am proud to endorse Bruce Blakeman — a common-sense leader who will put New Yorkers first and fight to save our state.”

Blakeman also has the backing of President Donald Trump.

“Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “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.”