Bruce Blakeman

Bruce Blakeman

Republican

Bruce Blakeman is the Nassau County executive and a Republican candidate for governor of New York in 2026. He has also been nominated by the Conservative Party, and his campaign has centered on taxes, public safety, immigration enforcement, and opposition to state climate policy.

Positions on Key Issues

Healthcare

medium

Blakeman has criticized state proposals that would increase retiree healthcare costs and has framed the issue as one of affordability for seniors. His public comments focus on limiting added costs rather than proposing a broad healthcare overhaul.

Economy

high

Blakeman says he would cut taxes, reduce costs for businesses and households, and make New York more affordable. His campaign has emphasized tax relief, lower utility costs, and support for small businesses and restaurants.

Climate/Energy

high

Blakeman favors expanding energy supply and reducing costs, and he has criticized New York's climate policies as too costly. He has also proposed redirecting money from the state's green energy fund back to taxpayers.

Immigration

high

Blakeman has called for ending New York's sanctuary-state policies and cooperating more closely with federal immigration authorities, including ICE. He argues that stronger enforcement is needed for public safety.

Firearms & Second Amendment

high

Blakeman supports a pro-gun-rights approach and has proposed deputizing qualified gun-licensed residents as special deputies in emergencies. He presents the plan as a public-safety measure and has opposed broad new gun-control restrictions.

Foreign Policy

high

Blakeman has emphasized support for Israel, backed adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and supported anti-BDS measures. His public comments frame these positions as part of a broader effort to combat antisemitism.

Civil Rights & Equality

low

No public position found on social justice.

Education

high

Blakeman supports expanding gifted-and-talented programs and New York City specialized high schools, and he has argued for admissions based on merit and achievement. He has opposed efforts to phase out those programs.

Tech & AI

high

Blakeman has supported expanded surveillance and security technology, including cameras and license-plate readers, as part of his public-safety agenda. His comments have focused on using technology to deter crime and monitor border areas within Nassau County.

Abortion & Reproductive Health

medium

Blakeman has said abortion should remain legal and has described himself as supportive of abortion rights, while also opposing late-term abortion restrictions being loosened further. His public comments place him closer to the Republican Party's more moderate wing on the issue than many anti-abortion activists prefer.

Election Policy

low

No public position found on election reform.

Local Issues

medium

Blakeman has emphasized using his experience as Nassau County executive to argue he can address affordability, public safety, and quality-of-life concerns statewide. His campaign messaging also highlights county-level management, including budgets, taxes, and law enforcement staffing.

Background

Career History

Nassau County Executive 2022 – Present
Nassau County, New York

Serves as county executive.

Town Supervisor 2015 – 2019
Town of Hempstead

Led the Town of Hempstead.

Member 1996 – 2001
Nassau County Legislature

Served in county government.

Member 2003 – 2005
New York State Senate

Served in the state Senate.

Education

Hofstra University J.D. in Law (1980)
Hofstra University B.A. in Political science (1977)

Top Donors

Publicly available state-campaign finance reporting and news coverage indicate Bruce Blakeman’s fundraising has been driven by local business and donor networks, with a recent report saying he raised about $720,000 in the second half of 2024 and another saying he raised nearly $2M for his campaign in a later period. Transparency USA lists his New York candidate profile, but the most specific disclosed donor mix in the sources reviewed is less detailed than OpenSecrets-style federal pages; news coverage also notes he was denied access to up to $7M in public matching funds. Sources: Transparency USA and news reports.

View full campaign finance data →

Voting Record

Blakeman is a non-legislator; he has not held state or federal legislative office, so there is no legislative voting record. As Nassau County Executive, his comparable governing record includes proposing and approving county budgets that kept the county property-tax levy flat while adding public-safety staffing, which suggests a focus on taxes, policing, and spending restraint. Sources: Newsday and other reporting on Nassau County budgets, plus Vote Smart biography for office history.

View full voting record →

Data Analysis Information

Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 4/29/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.

© 2026 Smarter.vote. Analyzing public information to help voters make informed decisions.

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