President Trump endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in the Republican primary for New York governor on Saturday, a day after Rep. Elise Stefanik ended her gubernatorial bid and said she will not seek reelection to Congress. Stefanik’s exit came after Trump indicated he would stay neutral in the race “at this stage,” according to CBS News’ reporting. The shake-up quickly consolidates GOP attention around a single Trump-backed contender, potentially clarifying the party’s next steps in a high-profile state race.

Highlights:

• Neutrality message: CBS News reported that before Stefanik exited, Trump signaled he would not make an endorsement in the governor’s race at that time.
• MAGA branding: In announcing his endorsement, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Blakeman is “MAGA all the way,” framing him as aligned with the President’s political movement.
• Campaign aftermath: The New York Post reported, citing sources, that Stefanik’s camp felt Trump’s lack of endorsement was demoralizing as the primary developed.
• Career decision: Alternet, summarizing a New York Times account, said Stefanik’s withdrawal from the governor’s race was paired with her decision not to run for reelection to Congress in 2026.
• NYC mayor meeting: Alternet, citing the New York Times, described an Oval Office meeting in which Trump held a “love fest” with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, an episode the account said undercut Stefanik.

Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning. - President Donald Trump

Perspectives:

• President Donald Trump: Trump publicly backed Bruce Blakeman and portrayed him as a long-time ally aligned with MAGA priorities. (The Hill)
• Rep. Elise Stefanik: Stefanik said she is suspending her campaign for New York governor and will not seek reelection to Congress. (CBS News)
• Democratic critics (as reported): Alternet, citing the New York Times, reported that some detractors viewed Stefanik’s treatment by Trump as political “comeuppance” tied to her shift toward MAGA politics. (Alternet)
• New York Post sources (as reported): The New York Post reported that internal dynamics and Trump’s earlier non-endorsement contributed to Stefanik’s decision to end her campaign. (New York Post)

Sources:

• Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman for NY governor — a day after GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik dropped out of race - nypost.com
• Trump drove GOP rep into retirement after 'series of public humiliations': NYT - alternet.org
• Stefanik ends bid for New York governor, says she won't seek reelection - cbsnews.com
• Trump endorses GOP's Blakeman for New York governor a day after Stefanik exits race - thehill.com