Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman entered the GOP primary for New York governor on Dec. 9, setting up a match with Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.).

“Our state is struggling with high taxes, rising utility bills, and rising crime. New Yorkers deserve a proven leader who will Put New York First,” Blakeman said in a post on X, accompanied by a video.

“New York needs leadership that works. I am ready to take on Kathy Hochul and fight for our families.”

The video touts Blakeman’s accomplishments, such as making Nassau County the “safest county in America,” not increasing taxes, prohibiting sanctuary policies, balancing the budget, and protecting women’s sports.

Hochul criticized Blakeman for launching a campaign.

“Bruce Blakeman is another MAGA cheerleader running to do Donald Trump’s bidding in New York—and raise your costs. Not on my watch,” she posted on X.

Hochul’s post was accompanied by a video from her campaign, tying Blakeman to the president. The narrator states that Blakeman is “Trump’s top ally on Long Island. One hundred percent pro-MAGA.”

“Bruce Blakeman has supported Trump’s track record every step of the way, even when it hurt New York,” added the narrator.

The video hits Blakeman for supporting Trump’s tariffs, his support for armed citizen militias, and his backing of Trump’s immigration agenda.

“Just like Elise Stefanik, he'll always put Donald Trump ahead of you,” the narrator says.

Stefanik’s campaign also criticized Blakeman’s entry into the race.

“Elise has led the most effective attacks on the Worst Governor in America Kathy Hochul as Bruce Blakeman has worked overtime to torpedo fellow Republicans,” campaign spokesperson Bernadette Breslin said in a statement.

“Elise flipped a seat that Republicans failed to flip for years by winning an overwhelming coalition of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats, all while raising tens of millions of dollars to support Republicans across New York and the country.”

Breslin went on to say that Blakeman is anti-Second Amendment and has a record of supporting Democrats and someone who has lost state, federal, and local races.

“Bruce Blakeman is an early Christmas present to Kathy Hochul as he works to blow Republicans’ best chance to win,” she said.

Breslin cited Stefanik’s consolidating support from New York state Republicans and Conservative Party members for her campaign.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Blakeman for comment on Breslin’s statement.

Stefanik launched her gubernatorial bid on Nov. 7.

“Under Kathy Hochul’s failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery prices crushing hardworking families,” she said in a statement at the time.

“Hochul has created a crime crisis with failed bail reform and her support of Defund the Police candidates.”