Trump Endorses Bruce Blakeman for New York Governor, Attacks Hochul

Trump backs Republican Bruce Blakeman over Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, who leads a Siena poll 49% to 39% among likely voters in the 2026 New York race.

First Published: August 28, 2026, 5:25 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald Trump endorsed Republican Bruce Blakeman for governor of New York in a Truth Social post that attacked Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

Trump called Hochul weak and ineffective, tied her to Canada on trade, and urged voters to back Blakeman as her replacement. He praised the challenger as smart and cunning, promising he would lower taxes and stop crime.

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “Stupid Governor Kathy Hochul, who doesn’t care about New York State, has announced that she is on the side of Canada, which has been ripping us off for decades on Trade and Tariffs, with a specific target of Hochul and her State. They’re aiming at her because they consider her Weak and Ineffective — Not nice! She doesn’t want us to use the name, “Lake America,” she’d rather have Canada get a win. That’s the problem with Governor Hochul, and many other Dumocrats. She allows other Countries and States to take advantage of New York, which gets treated like “garbage.” They laugh at us up and down what was once called, “Lake Ontario,” what is now called “Lake America.” That is why Bruce Blakeman is going to be your next Governor. He’s an “animal,” he fights like hell, he doesn’t let anyone else win. He’s for the people. He’s smart and cunning, and will Lower your Taxes, and Stop Crime. VOTE FOR BRUCE BLAKEMAN! Trump” on August 28, 2026 at 5:17 PM ET.

This is Trump’s 27th message released today, and the last post was 32 minutes ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 18 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 192 of his 625 posts over the last 30 days classified as Elections posts.

Kathy Hochul is the 57th and first female governor of New York, in office since 2021, according to nga. She began her career on her local Town Board, later served as Erie County Clerk and as a member of Congress for New York’s 26th Congressional District, according to nga.

President Donald J. Trump posed at WASHINGTON D.C.

Bruce Blakeman is the Republican Nassau County Executive challenging Hochul in the 2026 gubernatorial race, according to sri.siena.edu. He trails the incumbent among likely voters, according to the same poll.

Hochul leads Blakeman 49% to 39% among likely New York State voters, according to sri.siena.edu. In June, among registered voters, Hochul led Blakeman 52% to 32%, according to sri.siena.edu. The poll found voters rated Hochul better on increasing affordable housing by 16 points, while Blakeman scored higher on the character traits of tough, honest and gets things done, according to sri.siena.edu.

Hochul held a 46% to 49% favorability rating and a 48% to 49% job approval rating, according to sri.siena.edu. Blakeman held a 33% to 26% favorability rating, with 40% not knowing enough to have an opinion, according to sri.siena.edu.