Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has joined the 2026 race for governor, setting in motion a Republican primary battle against Rep. Elise Stefanik after she already locked up support from most party leaders across the state.

Blakeman, who won a second term last month as leader of one of the country's largest counties, announced his candidacy on the "Fox & Friends" show early on Tuesday, Dec. 9, accompanied by a campaign kickoff video . The 70-year-old Long Island native is touting his four-year record, his closeness to President Donald Trump, and his big Nov. 4 win in an area where Democrats outnumber Republicans.

"While Democrats made gains nationwide on election night, the Republican Party shined bright on Long Island," the video declared in its opening. "Nassau County Executi

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