Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is expected to launch a Republican campaign for New York governor this week, according to multiple reports , including the Associated Press .

His move sets up a likely primary battle with U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik in a race that could test the direction of the GOP in a deep-blue state.

Blakeman, a Trump-aligned Republican who was recently re-elected in Nassau County, had been traveling the state and publicly weighing a run. He’s made appearances in Albany, New York City and Plattsburgh, pitching himself as the candidate best positioned to win over suburban voters.

“I think I have a base and a springboard for becoming a governor that's much stronger than anybody else,” Blakeman said last month , citing Republican gains in the Long Island subu

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