Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has announced his candidacy for governor of New York in 2026, making energy policy and economic promises central to his early campaign messaging.

Blakeman, a Republican who currently serves as Nassau County Executive on Long Island, told podcast host Pod Force One that he could "cut your electric bill in half, day one, when I become governor." He indicated that bringing back fracking would be part of his energy strategy if elected.

The candidate is adopting messaging reminiscent of Donald Trump's political brand, promising to "Make New Yorkers Happy Again" and vowing to "put New Yorkers first." This approach mirrors the "Make America Great Again" slogan that has been central to Trump's political campaigns.

Blakeman's early campaign focus on energy costs reflects ongoing concerns about utility expenses in New York, where residents face some of the highest electricity rates in the nation. His proposal to restore fracking would represent a significant policy shift, as New York banned hydraulic fracturing in 2014 under then-Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The 2026 gubernatorial race is still in its early stages, with the election more than two years away. Current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul has not yet announced whether she will seek reelection.