Republicans are facing a potentially bruising primary fight in the New York governor's race, as Rep. Elise Stefanik finds herself facing competition.
Stefanik, a longtime Trump loyalist who previously headed up the House Republican Conference, kicked off her campaign for governor a month ago. But this week, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman jumped into the race as well on Monday, setting up a clash.
A spokesperson for Stefanik, Bernadette Breslin, put out a statement following the announcement that signaled the likely tone for the competition.
"Even those in Nassau County who are closest to Bruce Blakeman will tell you that everyone knows that Bruce has no shot and is putting his raging ego first and New Yorkers last as he blows up the best opportunity in a generation to Save New York," said Breslin. "Bruce's failed statewide electoral record speaks for itself — he has lost every statewide primary and general over the last three decades in smashing fashion. And after a career of colluding with elected Democrats, Blakeman's swan song is choosing to prop up Kathy Hochul."
"Elise has raised more money in six months than Bruce Blakeman has raised in his entire 30 year political career," the statement continued. "He has no support from Republican or Conservative voters or party apparatus. Blakeman was discouraged from running at the highest levels so as not to jeopardize Republicans' chances, it is unfortunate that he is putting his ego first to help prop up Kathy Hochul."
Despite the statement posturing Stefanik as the clear frontrunner, President Donald Trump himself refused to endorse a candidate in the race when asked on Monday, at least for the time being, per Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman.
"He's great and she's great," he simply said.