{"id":2519712,"date":"2025-12-10T14:56:01","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T19:56:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/blakeman-slams-new-york-gop-leader-over-stefanik-endorsement\/"},"modified":"2025-12-10T14:57:49","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T19:57:49","slug":"blakeman-slams-new-york-gop-leader-over-stefanik-endorsement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/blakeman-slams-new-york-gop-leader-over-stefanik-endorsement\/","title":{"rendered":"Blakeman slams New York GOP leader over Stefanik endorsement"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fblakeman-slams-new-york-gop-leader-over-stefanik-endorsement%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2519712&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >teh article discusses<\/a> the tensions within the New york Republican Party as Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman challenges Rep. Elise Stefanik for the GOP gubernatorial nomination against Governor Kathy Hochul. Despite Stefanik receiving the official endorsement of New York GOP Chairman Ed Cox, Blakeman criticizes the state party&#8217;s strategy and calls for new leadership. Cox remains confident that stefanik will be the nominee and that no primary will occur, citing her strong support among county delegates.<\/p>\n<p>Blakeman faces significant hurdles to force a primary, needing either considerable delegate support or to collect a large number of petition signatures. Though, his close relationship with former President Donald Trump introduces an unpredictable element. Trump has expressed gratitude for both candidates and has so far refrained from endorsing either, which may fuel a contested primary.<\/p>\n<p>Stefanik&#8217;s campaign accuses Blakeman of ego-driven motives and suggests his candidacy ultimately benefits the Democratic incumbent. Democrats criticize the potential GOP primary as a MAGA showdown that coudl weaken Republican chances against Hochul. Recent polls show Stefanik is vastly favored to win any GOP primary and faces a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/former-rep-peter-meijer-takes-first-step-toward-senate-run-in-michigan\/\" title=\"Peter Meijer, ex-Rep., begins Michigan Senate bid.\">challenging general election<\/a> against the incumbent governor. Meanwhile, Blakeman emphasizes issues like affordability and public safety as part of his campaign message.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Blakeman slams New York GOP leader over Stefanik endorsement<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2439892\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The top <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/new-york\/\">New York<\/a> Republican challenging Rep. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3912792\/elise-stefanik-balancing-act-fighting-washington-primary-hochul-governor-new-york\/\">Elise Stefanik <\/a>(R-NY) for the state&rsquo;s gubernatorial nomination does not agree with his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/mark-kelly-could-be-democrats-secret-weapon-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Mark Kelly could be Democrats&#039; secret weapon - Washington Examiner\">state party&#038;rsquo<\/a>;s strategy for endorsing candidates.<\/p>\n<p>Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, hot off his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/group-stacey-abrams-created-to-help-herself-faces-record-fine\/\" title=\"Group Stacey Abrams Created To Help Herself Faces Record Fine\">gubernatorial campaign launch<\/a>, said Tuesday that New York GOP Chairman Ed Cox needs to &ldquo;get a different playbook&rdquo; after he backed Stefanik.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3912970\/democrats-set-expanded-targets-surprise-victories-florida-georgia\/\">&#8203;&#8203;Democrats set expanded targets after surprise victories in Florida and Georgia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3912792\/elise-stefanik-balancing-act-fighting-washington-primary-hochul-governor-new-york\/\">Stefanik&#8217;s balancing act of fighting Washington, a primary opponent, and Hochul: &#8216;Have to pitch a perfect game&#8217;<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3912830\/democrat-eileen-higgins-miami-mayor\/\">Democrat Eileen Higgins wins Miami mayor race, beating Trump-endorsed Emilio Gonzalez<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The state party considers Stefanik to be the best candidate to beat Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) in 2026 despite Blakeman shaking up the race.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;[Cox] hasn&rsquo;t won. He&rsquo;s lost virtually every race,&rdquo; Blakeman <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TeamHochul\/status\/1998759691472744502?s=20\">told <\/a>Spectrum News. &ldquo;Maybe he needs to look at his playbook and maybe get a different playbook.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Cox told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> that the party prefers Stefanik and is &ldquo;confident&rdquo; that there will be no primary.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Bruce Blakeman has been a great county executive and is well-liked and respected within our party,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Elise Stefanik has over 75% of the weighted vote of our counties. She is our best candidate to defeat Kathy Hochul, which is why I endorsed her.&rdquo;<br \/>&nbsp;<br \/>&ldquo;I am confident that coming out of our convention, Elise Stefanik will be our candidate and there will be no primary,&rdquo; Cox added. &ldquo;Working together, Republicans will break one-party Democrat rule and end Kathy Hochul&rsquo;s affordability crisis.&rdquo;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n<p>Blakeman&rsquo;s path to a primary challenge against Stefanik would likely be foggy. He would need 25% of the state&rsquo;s delegates to vote for him at the New York Republican convention in February 2026 to run against her, which a source familiar with the matter said would be &ldquo;very unlikely.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>An alternate path for Blakeman would be to gather 15,000 signatures statewide, including at least 100 from half of the state&rsquo;s congressional districts.<\/p>\n<p>However, Blakeman has a wildcard: President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>Blakeman spoke with the president on the phone late last week about the race and <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">told him that he was&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2025\/12\/10\/nyregion\/blakeman-trump-stefanik.html\">considering a run<\/a>, according to the<\/span> <em>New York Times.<\/em> Trump told Blakeman that he did not like seeing two good Republicans going head-to-head with each other, advising Blakeman against running without directly telling him to drop his bid.<\/p>\n<p>Trump threw more gas on Blakeman&rsquo;s campaign flame when he refused to pick between Stefanik and the Nassau County executive on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s great, and she&rsquo;s great,&rdquo; Trump said at the White House. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re both great people.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Blakeman launched his campaign the next day. The Nassau County Executive is an old friend of the president, the outlet reported, going back to Trump&rsquo;s days as a real estate icon. If Trump chooses to endorse Blakeman or co-endorses the two Republicans, the race will likely head to a primary.<\/p>\n<p>A primary, which New York GOP leaders want to avoid, would likely distract Stefanik from targeting Hochul.<\/p>\n<p>Stefanik has already spent time criticizing Blakeman. Her campaign has called him disingenuous because he launched his bid despite her being the top competitor for months and leading in the polls for the GOP nomination.<\/p>\n<p>Stefanik&rsquo;s campaign also said Blakeman&rsquo;s &ldquo;raging ego&rdquo; contributed to his run, and he is &ldquo;propping up&rdquo; Hochul by running.<\/p>\n<p>New York Democrats are reveling in the speculation of a contested New York Republican gubernatorial nomination. <\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;No matter how many times Donald Trump screws over Elise Stefanik, she keeps selling out New Yorkers to win his support,&rdquo; New York State Democratic Party Spokesman Addison Dick told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> in a statement.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s happening here is clear: Trump is pitting his two top cheerleaders against each other to see who can out-MAGA who for his endorsement,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;Trump&rsquo;s MAGA vs. MAGA primary for governor is exactly the nightmare that New York Republicans wanted to avoid.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>So far, Blakeman has not directed as much of his ire toward Stefanik as he has toward the state party. He has focused on conveying his affordability and public safety message in the early hours of his campaign, while criticizing Hochul.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;New Yorkers have a clear choice this year. Higher taxes and rising crime under radical liberals, or lower taxes and safer streets with me. The contrast could not be clearer,&rdquo; he wrote in a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NassauExec\/status\/1998562055931179231?s=20\">post on X.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3911576\/stefanik-lashes-out-bruce-blakeman-gop-primary-new-york-governor\/\">STEFANIK CAMP SLAMS NEW GOP CHALLENGER BRUCE BLAKEMAN: &lsquo;PUTTING HIS RAGING EGO FIRST&rsquo;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>However, Blakeman will have to focus his attention eventually on attacking Stefanik to erode her massive polling lead in the race.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/11\/12\/us-news\/stefanik-would-trounce-blakeman-in-potential-gop-match-up-for-ny-governor\/\">A November poll<\/a> found Stefanik would defeat Blakeman in a primary, 74% to 5%. If Stefanik makes it to the general election, she will face steep odds against Hochul. A <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/sri.siena.edu\/2025\/11\/18\/hochul-approval-favorability-ratings-down-a-little-maintains-huge-lead-over-delgado-among-dems-leads-stefanik-by-20-points-down-from-25-in-september\/\">Siena poll <\/a>from the same month showed her trailing Hochul by 20 points, 52-32%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Blakeman criticizes NY GOP leader over Stefanik backing<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2519713,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-collage-7cxh45d7a-1765392393770.jpg?1765374614&amp;w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[68591,65419,3973],"class_list":["post-2519712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-blakeman","tag-new-york-gop","tag-stefanik"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-collage-7cxh45d7a-1765392393770.jpg?1765374614&amp;w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2519712","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2519712"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2519712\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2519716,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2519712\/revisions\/2519716"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2519713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2519712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2519712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2519712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}