Bruce Blakeman: A Political Journey from Reagan's Driver to Gubernatorial Candidate

Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for New York governor, has a political career that began long before his current role as Nassau County executive. His early experiences, including volunteering for Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign where he drove Nancy Reagan, and a childhood spent campaigning for his father, have shaped his approach to politics.

Blakeman, 71, is challenging incumbent Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul in the upcoming election on November 3. He has consistently pursued political office, often taking calculated risks. In 1993, he ran for the Nassau County Legislature in a district drawn for a Democrat and won, becoming the body's first presiding officer. This success, according to former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D’Amato, who has known Blakeman for 40 years, demonstrates his driven and fearless nature.

Born into a political family, Blakeman's father, Robert Blakeman, was a Republican state assemblyman. The younger Blakeman, however, embraced the campaigning aspects his father disliked, thriving on public engagement. His mother, Betty, a World War II veteran, is credited by Blakeman for his outgoing personality.

After an early career in various jobs and a stint in law school, Blakeman returned to New York and entered local politics. He made unsuccessful statewide runs for state comptroller in 1998 and for a Long Island congressional seat in 2014. He also lost a Republican primary for the U.S. Senate in 2010.

A significant period in his public service career was his appointment as a commissioner to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in 2001 by then-Governor George Pataki. This role placed him at the forefront during the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Blakeman's nephew, court officer Tommy Jurgens, was among those killed in the World Trade Center collapse. Blakeman served on key committees involved in the recovery and redevelopment efforts.

In 2021, Blakeman secured a notable victory, defeating incumbent Laura Curran for the Nassau County executive position in what was considered an upset. He won re-election handily and subsequently announced his candidacy for governor. Blakeman has expressed concerns about antisemitism within the Democratic Party and credits his faith for his productive outlook.

Despite facing skepticism about his chances in the gubernatorial race, Blakeman remains confident, stating, "People don't think I can win the race for governor. I'm going to win."