In a significant shake-up in the New York gubernatorial race, President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, just one day following Rep. Elise Stefanik’s withdrawal from the contest. Trump’s endorsement, which came via a vibrant post on Truth Social, praises Blakeman as a staunch supporter and a “FANTASTIC guy” who embodies the MAGA ethos. “Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump declared, asserting that Blakeman would restore the grandeur of what he called the “ONCE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK.”

The endorsement shift arrives amid a turbulent time for Stefanik, who was previously perceived as a frontrunner in the Republican primary against incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. Stefanik's campaign faced complications after Blakeman entered the race earlier this month, despite Trump's earlier maneuver to reinforce the GOP's position in Congress by endorsing Rep. Mike Lawler to seek reelection instead of entering the gubernatorial race.

Trump’s decision not to back Stefanik for governor, coupled with pulling her nomination as ambassador to the United Nations due to strategic concerns about the GOP's slim House majority, has marked a downturn in her political trajectory. Following her exit from the governor’s race, Stefanik also announced she would not seek reelection to Congress.

Despite Trump’s endorsement, Blakeman faces a steep uphill battle, as current polls from Siena College show him trailing significantly behind Gov. Hochul. The poll indicates that Hochul holds a commanding lead with potential head-to-head matchups showing her leading by double digits.

Blakeman, who recently attended a Hanukkah reception at the White House, expressed his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), for the presidential endorsement, stating he felt “grateful and blessed.”

As the race progresses, it remains to be seen how Trump’s backing will influence Blakeman’s campaign and whether it can significantly narrow the gap in the polls. Meanwhile, Gov. Hochul continues to maintain a strong foothold, suggesting a challenging contest ahead for the Republican nominee.