'Watch him work his magic': Trump boosts NY GOP gubernatorial candidate

It is unclear what poll Trump referred to, but the Empire State is generally regarded as reliably Democratic.

By Ben Whedon

Published: April 14, 2026 9:08am

President Donald Trump on Tuesday boosted New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, who is expected to become the party's nominee.

"Bruce Blakeman, the highly respected and very popular Nassau County Executive, who is running for Governor, is surging in the New York State Polls. He is one of the best politicians in the U.S. Watch him work his magic!!!" Trump posted on Truth Social.

Blakeman does not face a serious primary opponent and received Trump's endorsement in December 2025.

Blakeman is running on a tough-on-crime record, touting his success in making Nassau County the "safest" in the U.S. It is unclear what poll Trump referred to, but the Empire State is generally regarded as reliably Democratic.

Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., lost to Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., in the last cycle, but came within single digits of winning the governor's mansion. Most recent polls have shown Hochul with at least a double-digit lead.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.