A Civic Pulse publication
Portrait of Bruce Blakeman

Bruce Blakeman

Republican · Challenger · Governor of New York
Background

Who they are

Bruce Alan Blakeman, Nassau County Executive since 2022, re-elected Nov 2025 by ~12 points in a Democratic-leaning county. The Republican challenger and presumptive nominee after Elise Stefanik exited the race in Dec 2025.

Long Island Republican; former 9/11-era Port Authority Commissioner. Trump-endorsed (Dec 20, 2025).

Prior offices
Nassau County Executive (2022-present); Commissioner, Port Authority of NY & NJ (2001-2008); Nassau County Legislator and first Presiding Officer (1996-1999); Hempstead Town Councilman
Running mate
Todd Hood (Madison County Sheriff)
Record
Runs on his Nassau record: eliminated ~$150M in scheduled property-tax hikes, says he did not raise property or sales taxes, expanded county law enforcement, opposed sanctuary policies and partnered with ICE.
Campaign finance

Follow the money

Bruce Blakeman

Republican · Challenger
Top line · July 2026 periodic filing
$4.6M
Raised
$3.2M
Spent
$4.6M
Cash on hand
—Donors—From $1k+—From $10k+—Self-funding
Public matching: enrolled — up to $1.8M
Notable donors
  • Blakeman for Nassau (county exec committee)
    Blakeman's own county-executive campaign account · Internal transfer
    $825K
  • Nassau County Republican Committee
    Nassau GOP · Party transfer
    $375K
  • Jake Duneier
    CEO, Clyde Duneier Inc. (jewelry) · Jewelry
    $18K
  • Eliyahu Glassman
    DN Partners · Real estate
    $18K
  • Brittany Kaiser
    Data-rights whistleblower (ex-Cambridge Analytica) · technology
    $18K
  • Tzivya Fried
    FWD Group · Real estate
    $18K
+ 5 more itemized donors on file.
By industry
  • Real estate$63K
  • Internal transfers (county account + Nassau GOP)$1.2M
As of Jul 15, 2026
Outside & dark money
  • Make it Cheaper
    Super PAC
    Undisclosed
    Supports Bruce BlakemanundisclosedDark moneynysfocus.com
    Funded by: Donors not yet disclosed (no report filed as of June 30, 2026). Pro-Blakeman super PAC formed June 5, 2026. Treasurer Kristofer Graham (ran the pro-Zeldin "Save Our State" PAC in 2022); consultant Chris Grant. Funders undisclosed so far.
  • Strong and Safe
    Super PAC
    Undisclosed
    Supports Bruce BlakemanundisclosedDark moneyalgemeiner.com
    Second pro-Blakeman super PAC to surface (after Make it Cheaper). First public activity: commissioned the Red Oak Strategic poll (Jul 7-12) released via NY Post on Jul 28, 2026. Funders, spending totals, and BOE registration details not yet publicly reported as of Jul 30 — donors undisclosed so far, do not backfill.
Source: cityandstateny.com
Platform

Top priorities

  • public_safety

    Law-and-order platform; touts expanded Nassau law enforcement and attacks bail reform and subway-safety failures.

  • taxes_affordability

    Says he raised no property or sales taxes in Nassau and eliminated ~$150M in scheduled hikes; promises statewide tax relief.

  • immigration

    Opposes sanctuary policies; directed Nassau law enforcement to assist ICE and vows to defy new state limits.

On the issues

Positions

  • transit_mta

    Pledges to end congestion pricing "on Day One," calling it a regressive tax; attacks MTA fare policy.

  • climate_energy

    Opposes offshore wind and large battery storage, backs natural gas, and would pause electrification mandates; pledges to cut electricity bills.

  • education

    Backs school-choice and a private-scholarship tax credit, and "merit-based" admissions framing.

  • reproductive_rights

    Describes himself as pro-choice and says New York abortion law is "well-settled," a decision between a woman and her physician.

  • housing

    Less developed on housing; criticizes Hochul spending on homelessness and migrants and favors tax relief over current housing programs.

In their words

Closing argument

Public safety, lower taxes/affordability, and immigration enforcement. Pledges to end congestion pricing "on Day One."
On the trail

Endorsements

Listed for the record — not endorsements by ReviewHochul.
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