Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman today formally launched his candidacy for Governor of New York, unveiling a bold, common-sense agenda built around one mission: Put New York First.
“New Yorkers are being hit from every angle — rising prices, rising crime, and Albany mandates that make life harder, not easier,” Blakeman said. “I’m running for Governor to put the people of our state first. It’s time for leadership that fixes problems, protects families, and makes New York affordable and safe again.”
Blakeman brings proven executive experience from Nassau County, a jurisdiction larger than eight states combined, where his leadership delivered real results.
Proven Leadership That Puts New York First
Under Blakeman’s leadership, Nassau County became the safest county in America, a reflection of its investments in public safety, community policing, and strong support for law enforcement. He also cut taxes, balanced budgets, and earned bond‑rating upgrades — all while protecting girls’ sports by ensuring boys play with boys and girls play with girls.
Blakeman also ensured Nassau County did not adopt New York’s sanctuary policies, keeping the county safe and accountable. Nassau’s poverty rate remains far lower than the state average, and employment levels and wages outperform much of New York — demonstrating the impact of prioritizing safety, affordability, and opportunity.
“Four years ago, we made promises — we said we wouldn’t be a sanctuary county, we wouldn’t raise taxes, and we’d protect our kids in schools — and we delivered,” Blakeman said. “We also stood up to Albany mandates, including mask policies, and we unmasked our children. These results didn’t happen by accident; they came from putting residents first.”
Blakeman also served as a Port Authority Commissioner during 9/11, helping lead New York’s recovery — further demonstrating his capacity to handle crises and make tough decisions.
Broad Appeal: Support Across Parties, Demographics & Communities
Nassau County is not monolithic — it’s a diverse, dynamic community. With 1.4 million residents, approximately 55.8% are White, while 18.4% are Hispanic, 11.7% Asian, and 10.5% Black, with additional multiracial and other‑race residents.
In this racially and ethnically mixed environment, Blakeman’s recent reelection — winning by 12% in a county with over 110,000 more Democrats than Republicans — shows he drew support not just from Republicans but from independent voters, a significant portion of Democrats, and people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. This broad-based backing demonstrates that his message of affordability, safety, and leadership resonated across political and demographic lines — not just with a single constituency. It also underscores how Blakeman defied historical trends, as Nassau County voters have elected a County Executive from the opposite political party of the sitting President in each of the last eight election cycles.
Making New York Affordable
Blakeman will unveil a sweeping affordability package designed to deliver immediate relief to New Yorkers burdened by high taxes, utility bills, and rising costs:
“Affordability is not a slogan — it’s whether people can stay here,” Blakeman said. “That is why my administration will Put New York First by protecting taxpayers and delivering real relief.”
The number one affordability issue is taxes. Just as he did in Nassau, Blakeman plans to cut New York’s taxes rather than raise them, countering proposals from those who would burden working families further. But taxes are only one part of the growing financial pressure on residents. Families are also being squeezed by rising heating and electric bills, higher water costs, and the steady uptick in everyday household expenses. These increases don’t come all at once — they creep in slowly, a few dollars here and a few dollars there — but over the course of a year, they add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For many New Yorkers, those cumulative costs are the difference between staying afloat and falling behind.
Blakeman’s affordability plan aims to confront this reality head-on by reducing the financial burden on households and ensuring New Yorkers can continue to live, work, and raise their families here without being priced out.
Restoring Public Safety Across New York
Blakeman will present a comprehensive statewide public safety plan that mirrors Nassau’s success. Key proposals include reforming bail laws, strengthening discovery laws, targeting gangs and drug traffickers, and removal of dangerous individuals from the streets
“New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, on public transit, and at home,” Blakeman said. “While crime has spiraled under harmful policies, I will Put New York First by standing with victims, not offenders, and supporting our police.”
Election Success & Strong Leadership
While Democrats made gains nationwide, the Republican Party shined bright on Long Island. Blakeman won reelection by 12 points in a county often considered Democratic — a clear sign that voters rewarded results over party labels.
This victory shows that when leaders keep their promises and deliver tangible improvements — safety, affordability, effective governance — they can unite communities, win over independents, Democrats, and people of all backgrounds, and restore confidence in public service.
A Clear Contrast with Albany (and Governor Hochul)
Where Albany raised costs, Blakeman will freeze them. Where Albany imposed mandates, Blakeman will roll them back. Where Albany’s policies undermined safety, his leadership made Nassau the safest county in America. Where Albany’s economic climate drove jobs away, Nassau’s employment levels stayed strong and stable.
“This election will answer one question: Will we continue down a path that puts Albany first — or choose a new direction that puts New Yorkers first?” Blakeman said.
A Call to Put New York First
New Yorkers across regions and backgrounds have an opportunity to unite under Blakeman’s leadership.
“Putting New York First means standing up for working families, protecting taxpayers, restoring safety, and rebuilding trust in government,” he said. “It means holding criminals accountable, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring every community — from Buffalo to Brooklyn to Brookhaven — has a real chance to succeed.”
For too long, Albany has been controlled by one party. New York needs a strong executive to take the fight against failed liberal policies that are driving taxes, utilities, and crime higher. Bruce Blakeman is that leader. He has a proven track record of getting results, making tough decisions, and putting people first. With Bruce Blakeman, we can make New York strong, safe, and affordable again.
For more information, visit www.BlakemanforNewYork.com.
Credit: Bruce Blakeman for Governor Press Release