Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the highest-ranking Jewish Republican in America and the first Jewish Executive in the county’s history, kicked off his re-election campaign with a rousing speech in Massapequa.
Flanked by an impressive roster of Republican luminaries – including members of the Nassau County Legislature, Town of Hempstead Council, former Congressman Pete King, and Nassau County GOP Chairman Joe Cairo – Blakeman delivered a powerful address that underscored his extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to the people of Nassau County. The room was electric with enthusiasm, a testament to the remarkable leadership that has defined his tenure since taking office in 2022.
Blakeman’s journey to this moment began in 2021, when he ran on a bold promise: a return to normalcy after years of upheaval. He has not only delivered on that pledge, but he has exceeded all expectations, transforming Nassau County into a beacon of safety, prosperity, and common-sense governance. His campaign kickoff speech was a celebration of those triumphs – and a thrilling preview of the greatness yet to come.
One of Blakeman’s signature achievements came early in his tenure, as he fought tirelessly to lift the burdens imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. “I got the masks off the kids,” he declared proudly, recalling his courageous stand against overreaching mandates. But his vision extended beyond the classroom. Blakeman also “got the masks off criminals and anti-Semites,” leading the charge to pass the first mask ban in the United States – headed up in the County Legislature by former IDF soldier Mazi Pilip. This groundbreaking legislation, signed into law in August 2024, has been hailed as a model for protecting public safety, ensuring that those who hide behind masks in order to commit crimes or spread hate face swift justice.
His resolve to keep Nassau County safe is unwavering. On his third day in office, Blakeman issued an executive order ensuring that Nassau would never become a sanctuary county – a stance that has kept illegal immigration from undermining the community’s security. He thanked Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and his detectives for their relentless work in apprehending “criminal illegals,” and he reaffirmed his commitment to law enforcement: “We will always stand with you and back the blue in Nassau County.” Under Blakeman’s leadership, Nassau became the first county in America to partner with ICE and incoming Border Czar Tom Homan to deport dangerous criminals, setting a national standard for cooperation and accountability.
Blakeman’s dedication to fairness shines through in another landmark policy: his ban on biological males competing in women’s sports at county facilities. “It’s unsafe, it’s unfair, and how about the privacy of women in their locker rooms?” he asked, earning thunderous applause. This bold move, which has garnered support from across the nation – including from prominent figures like Caitlyn Jenner – reflects his deep respect for women and girls, ensuring they have a level playing field and a safe space to compete. It’s just one more example of Blakeman’s ability to tackle tough issues with clarity and conviction.
Blakeman’s economic stewardship has been nothing short of miraculous. He thanked Nassau’s union workers – “simply the best” – noting that, for the first time in years, all county unions have contracts. Yet, he’s achieved this harmony without burdening taxpayers. When he took office, he canceled a staggering $150 million tax increase planned by his predecessor, Laura Curran, and has kept taxes flat for three years running. “I pledge to not raise them next year,” he vowed, a promise that resonates with families and businesses alike.
Remarkably, Blakeman has paired this fiscal discipline with unprecedented investment in public safety. “We have received seven bond upgrades in the last three years, and I still hired 300 law enforcement officers,” he boasted. “We’re not defunding the police – we’re funding the police!” This strategic brilliance has paid off: Nassau County has been named the safest county in America by US News & World Report, a testament to Blakeman’s unwavering support for law enforcement and his laser focus on community well-being.
Under Blakeman’s visionary leadership, Nassau County has become a destination of choice. Niche Magazine recently crowned it the most desirable place to live in New York State, a distinction fueled by his efforts to fund museums, concerts, and world-class events like the T20 Cricket World Cup. But perhaps his most electrifying coup was bringing [former] President Donald Trump to Nassau County for a rally at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in September 2024. “Donald Trump told me that Nassau County’s rally was the loudest he’s ever been to,” Blakeman shared, beaming with pride. “He started going up in the polls after he came to Nassau County. He loves Nassau County, and we love him.” The event not only energized the community, but also showcased Blakeman’s ability to put Nassau on the national stage.
As he closed his speech, Blakeman took a moment to thank his supporters and the brave men and women of the US Armed Forces, a nod to his deep-rooted patriotism and family legacy of service. His optimism was infectious: “You ain’t seen nothing yet. The best is yet to come. We’re gonna build jobs, we’re gonna build our economy. Like the United States, G-d has blessed Nassau County from sea to shining sea.”
