Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman , a firebrand Long Island Republican, announced a run for governor of New York on Tuesday, setting up a primary clash with fellow Trump ally U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik.

Blakeman, labeled “100% MAGA” by President Donald Trump, criticized Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in a social media post and said New Yorkers deserve leadership that works.

In an appearance Tuesday on the Fox News “Fox and Friends” show, Blakeman said Hochul is a “failure” who needs to be replaced. “I’m running for office to make people more prosperous, to make them safer and to make New Yorkers happy again.”

Blakeman’s candidacy kicks off what is expected to be a heated Republican contest against Stefanik, a conservative from northern New York who Trump nominated for U.N. ambassado

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