Nassau County Republican Executive Bruce Blakeman officially launched his campaign for governor of New York State on Tuesday, December 9, entering the race against Representative Elise Štefánik. Štefánik, also an ally of President Donald Trump.
A veteran Republican politician and attorney, Blakeman has spent decades in public service, holding positions at the local, county and state levels.
Here’s what you should know about Bruce Blakeman, a veteran Republican politician and attorney with decades of experience in local and county government, including serving on the Hempstead City Council, the Nassau County Legislature and as a commissioner for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Early life and education
Blakeman, born October 2, 1955, in Valley Stream, New York, to Assemblymen Robert M. Blakeman and Betty Blakeman, who served in the Women’s Army Corps. His brother, Brad Blakeman, worked on the staff of President George W. Bush.
Blakeman graduated from Valley Stream Central High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from Arizona State University. He holds a Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law and a certificate in Homeland Security Management from Long Island University. Early in his career, he worked on Republican political campaigns and briefly served as former First Lady Nancy Reagan’s chauffeur.
Political career
Blakeman began his political career on the Hempstead City Council in 1993. In 1995, he was elected to the newly formed Nassau County Legislature and served as its first presiding officer. In 1998, he was the Republican candidate for New York State Comptroller, but lost to Democrat Carl McCall.
In 2001, Governor George Pataki appointed Blakeman Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a position he held until 2009. He also worked in private law practice, brokering high-profile deals including the 2007 relocation of Canon USA headquarters.
Blakeman ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2010 and for New York’s 4th Congressional District in 2014. He returned to the Hempstead Town Council in 2015 and briefly served as Deputy Town Supervisor.
Nassau County Executive
In 2021, Blakeman was elected Nassau County Executive, narrowly defeating Democratic incumbent Laura Curran in a county with a Democratic registration advantage. His tenure was marked by a focus on public safety, fiscal responsibility and conservative policies. Notable initiatives and events include:
-He is pushing to repeal the New York Bail Reform Act of 2019.
-Supporting Israel, including organizing fundraisers and rallies.
-Creating a special deputy police force, drawing criticism from Democrats.
-Issuing controversial executive orders, including banning transgender women from using district sports facilities and lifting masks.
-Oversee county budgets that maintain property taxes while funding public safety and early childhood programs.
-Support for redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum grounds, including the proposed casino project.
-In 2025, Blakeman won re-election as Nassau County Executive, defeating Democrat Seth Koslow despite a 110,000 vote Democratic registration advantage.
Personal life
Blakeman married Segal Magori Blakeman in 2015. Previously married to Nancy Shevell, now married to Paul McCartney. He has one son, Arlen, and two stepchildren.
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