Bruce Blakeman Wins GOP Nomination for New York Governor

Blakeman vows to cut taxes, roll back congestion pricing, and strengthen public safety if elected

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman accepted the Republican nomination for governor of New York on Wednesday, launching a bid to unseat Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul. Blakeman's campaign platform centers on reducing taxes, rolling back congestion pricing, and bolstering public safety laws.

Why it matters

Blakeman's nomination sets up a high-stakes gubernatorial race in the deep-blue state of New York, where a Republican has not won statewide office since 2002. The election could have significant implications for the state's policies on taxation, infrastructure, and criminal justice reform.

The details

In his acceptance speech, Blakeman criticized Hochul's record, accusing her administration of driving up taxes and energy costs while failing to curb crime. He pledged to cut taxes, roll back the MTA's congestion pricing program, and support law enforcement if elected. Blakeman also took aim at Hochul's spending on housing and services for migrants, arguing the funds should instead go toward schools, infrastructure, and tax relief.

  • Blakeman accepted the Republican nomination on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The general election is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Bruce Blakeman

The Republican nominee for governor of New York and the current Nassau County Executive.

Kathy Hochul

The Democratic incumbent governor of New York.

George Pataki

The last Republican to win a statewide election in New York, serving as governor from 1995 to 2006.

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What they’re saying

“I am honored to receive this nomination to be your next governor of the great State of New York. After four more years of soaring taxes, rising crime, and reckless spending, families simply cannot afford her failed leadership any longer.”

— Bruce Blakeman (longislandpress.com)

“Donald Trump said the quiet part out loud: If Blakeman wins in November, Trump will be running the State of New York right alongside him. That means raising costs on families, letting ICE trample on New Yorkers' rights, and waging war on New York kids. New Yorkers see what's happening here, and they're ready to hand Blakeman yet another loss for putting Trump, not them, first at every opportunity.”

— Ryan Radulovacki, Hochul campaign spokesperson (longislandpress.com)

“Everybody said I had no chance. But the people in Nassau... said, 'We believe you can win.' Let me tell you this morning: They say Bruce Blakeman can't win? Yes, it can be done. And with your help, it will be done.”

— George Pataki, Former Governor of New York (longislandpress.com)

What’s next

The general election between Blakeman and Hochul is scheduled for November 2026.

The takeaway

Blakeman's nomination sets up a high-stakes gubernatorial race in New York, where a Republican has not won statewide office in over 20 years. The election could have significant implications for the state's policies on taxation, infrastructure, and criminal justice reform.