Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, attacks Hochul over Canada

Trump backs Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 New York governor's race, accusing her of favoring Canada over the United States.

First Published: August 28, 2026, 10:29 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman for governor of New York and accused Democratic Gov.Kathy Hochul of siding with Canada over the United States.

Trump gave Blakeman his “Complete and Total Endorsement” in the message and framed the race as a choice between Hochul’s record and his preferred challenger. Trump claimed Canada “has been ripping off New York State for years,” and singled out Hochul’s administration in the post.

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “Governor Kathy Hochul is for Canada, a Country that has been ripping off New York State for years, especially under her Administration, instead of the good ‘ol U.S.A. Can you imagine her saying that she won’t respect or acknowledge LAKE AMERICA. That’s why the Dumocrats are so bad for our Country. Vote for Bruce Blakeman for Governor of New York. He has my Complete and Total Endorsement, and will never let you down! President DJT” on August 28, 2026 at 10:22 PM ET.

This is Trump’s 31st message released today, and the last post was 36 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 193 of his 627 posts over the last 30 days classified as Elections posts.

Bruce Arthur Blakeman is an American attorney and Republican politician who has served as Nassau County Executive, first elected in 2021, according to cityandstateny. He previously served in local government in Nassau County, including as a Hempstead Town Councilman and a Nassau County legislator, according to cityandstateny. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Arizona State University and a law degree from California Western School of Law, according to cityandstateny. Blakeman was formally named the GOP candidate for New York State Governor at the New York Republican State Committee Nominating Convention in Garden City on Feb. 11, 2026, according to wnyc.

President Donald J. Trump endorsed Bruce Arthur Blakeman for New York governor and attacked Governor Kathy Hochul at Washington D.C.

Blakeman is vying to become the state’s second Republican governor in the last 50 years, according to nytimes. A Democratic-led board denied his campaign up to $7 million in public matching funds in a 4-to-3 ruling, according to nytimes.

Kathy Hochul is the 57th and first female governor of New York State, according to nga. She began her career in public service on her local Town Board, before serving as Erie County Clerk and as a member of Congress for New York’s 26th Congressional District, according to nga. She served as lieutenant governor before taking office as governor in 2021, according to nga. Hochul, a Democrat, is running for a second full term against Blakeman, according to nytimes.

The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, according to cityandstateny. A Siena University poll of 811 voters surveyed on Aug. six showed Hochul at 49% and Blakeman at 39%, with 12% other or undecided, according to cityandstateny.