‘Testing the waters.’ Nassau County executive visits Orange County as he considers run for governor
Blakeman spoke exclusively with News 12 at a veterans luncheon in Montgomery, where he greeted attendees, shook hands and openly discussed the possibility of entering the 2026 race.
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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman made a stop in Orange County Thursday as part of a fast-moving statewide tour, telling News 12 he is “testing the waters” and considering a run for New York governor.
Blakeman spoke exclusively with News 12 at a veterans luncheon in Montgomery, where he greeted attendees, shook hands and openly discussed the possibility of entering the 2026 race.
“I’ve gotten a lot of people who have asked me to get in the race for governor, so I’m considering it,” Blakeman said.
He said the trip was part of a broader sweep across New York to meet residents, business owners and political leaders.
“Yesterday, I was in New York City. Today, I’m in Orange County, then Albany, then the North Country,” Blakeman said.
Blakeman also emphasized his connection to veterans and first responders, noting his family has deep military ties. Both of his parents served in World War II, his son served in the Marine Corps, a relative who fought in World War I received a Purple Heart, and his nephew, an Army medic, died in the World Trade Center attack. He said supporting service members remains a central focus of his work in Nassau County.
Blakeman, recently reelected to a second term, appeared to be gauging support in Orange County — one of the most heavily Republican counties in New York. His visit comes as the field for governor continues to expand.
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik formally announced her campaign last week, positioning herself on public safety, parental rights and immigration. On the Democratic side, Gov. Kathy Hochul is seeking reelection, promoting her administration’s work on economic development, affordability and public safety reforms. This week, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado also announced he will challenge Hochul in the Democratic primary, focusing on affordability, housing and progressive policy goals.
Blakeman pointed to his own record in Nassau County as evidence he could compete statewide, citing his support among independents and crossover Democrats.
“A county with 110,000 more registered Democrats — I won by 36,000 votes,” he said.
He also criticized state policies on crime, saying, “This is the state where criminals have more rights than victims. It’s a disgrace.”
During the luncheon, Blakeman spoke with local veterans, including a World War II veteran he thanked personally.
His campaign says his next stops on Thursday include Albany and the North Country as he continues what he calls an informal tour of New York. Blakeman told News 12 he expects to make a final decision on a gubernatorial run within the next few weeks.
News 12 has reached out to Gov. Hochul’s office for comment on Blakeman’s tour and possible bid.
A spokesperson for the New York State Democratic Party responded to Blakeman’s possible bid, criticizing both him and Rep. Elise Stefanik, saying their “race to the far-right” is focused on “delivering Trump’s deeply unpopular agenda.” The statement added that “whichever Trump cheerleader stumbles out of the Republican primary will be soundly rejected in the general election.”
