Trump Moves To Clear Field For Stefanik’s NY Gov Bid

Axios reports:

President Trump is taking steps to clear the Republican primary field for Rep. Elise Stefanik to run for New York governor, bolstering an ally once poised to serve in his administration. A pair of moves by Trump last week amount to a green light for Stefanik to jump into what early polls suggest could be a tight battle next year against New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).

Trump last week endorsed two of Stefanik’s potential rivals for governor — New York Rep. Mike Lawler and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman — for re-election to their current posts.  The moves appeared aimed at taking Lawler and Blakeman out of contention for governor, three Republicans close to the White House told Axios.

“By endorsing Blakeman and Lawler for re-election to their current positions, it looks to me like he is trying to clear the way,” said John Catsimatidis, a New York grocery store mogul and prominent Trump supporter.

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Trump clears a path for Stefanik to run for NY governor https://t.co/rtLCuIjmQF

— Axios (@axios) May 15, 2025