ALBANY, New York — In a strategic move that surprises some, New York Republicans are rallying behind Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman as their gubernatorial nominee. Despite facing an uphill battle against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, GOP leaders believe Blakeman's candidacy could significantly boost Republican turnout in key suburban districts during the upcoming elections.

Blakeman’s potential to drive voter engagement in swing suburbs is a critical aspect of the GOP strategy, explained Larry Levy, dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University. "Even if Blakeman doesn’t clinch the governorship, his influence could tip the scales in congressional races across Long Island, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley," Levy noted.

The importance of who tops the Republican ticket in New York extends beyond the gubernatorial race. With the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly split, the outcome of several competitive House races could pivot on Blakeman's performance. Republicans are keen to link Democratic incumbents to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, framing him as a divisive figure that could alienate moderate voters.

At 70, Blakeman is a seasoned politician known for his moderate stance on issues like abortion, which could appeal to independent and some Democratic voters. His relationship with influential media outlets like The New York Post also plays a crucial role in his campaign strategy.

Despite trailing Hochul by 25 points in recent polls and a long history of Republican losses in statewide elections, Blakeman remains optimistic. “I want our congressional and Senate and Assembly and local candidates to be successful as well,” he stated in an interview, underscoring his commitment to the broader Republican effort in New York.

GOP leaders point to the 2022 campaign of then-Rep. Lee Zeldin, who came close to defeating Hochul and helped secure several House seats for Republicans, as a model for Blakeman's run. They hope to replicate Zeldin’s success, particularly in the suburbs, which have shown a rightward shift in recent elections.

On the Democratic side, representatives for incumbents like Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen highlight their bipartisan efforts and successes in swing districts, suggesting they can withstand Republican challenges. However, Republican leaders believe Blakeman's local popularity and the strategic emphasis on suburban voters could lead to significant gains.

Jay Jacobs, chair of both the statewide Democratic Committee and Nassau County Democratic leader, acknowledges Blakeman’s local strength but remains skeptical of its wider impact. Meanwhile, Hochul continues to focus on addressing key issues like crime and housing in suburban areas, hoping to reclaim lost ground.

As the political landscape in New York continues to evolve, the 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a critical test of both parties' strategies, with Bruce Blakeman playing a pivotal role in the Republican bid to regain power in this predominantly Democratic state.