WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – On Saturday, former President Donald Trump officially threw his support behind Nassau County’s Republican executive in the upcoming New York gubernatorial race. This move comes just a day after Rep. Elise Stefanik, a longtime Trump ally, declared she was stepping down from the race.

Although the endorsement was anticipated, it is likely to strengthen Bruce Blakeman’s position. Blakeman, who oversees the suburban county on Long Island, aims to secure the Republican nomination and challenge the current Democratic Governor, Kathy Hochul, in the general election.

“Bruce is a true MAGA supporter and has been with me from the very start,” Trump stated in his endorsement, which he shared on his Truth Social platform.

Stefanik announced on Friday her decision to halt her gubernatorial bid and also confirmed she would not seek reelection for Congress.

Initially, a competitive race was expected between Stefanik and Blakeman. However, Stefanik cited her desire to avoid an “unnecessary and prolonged Republican primary” as her reason for stepping aside.

Stefanik has been a steadfast ally of Trump, who nominated her to serve as his ambassador to the United Nations only to withdraw it because of concerns about potentially further eroding the GOP’s narrow majority in the House.

Stefanik announced her decision just days after Blakeman formally announced his candidacy.

Trump on Monday, amid reports Blakeman would jump into the race, declined to take a side in the primary race when asked about Blakeman and Stefanik, instead telling reporters, “He’s great, and she’s great. They’re both great people.”

Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County, has gained attention for championing a policy that bans transgender athletes from using county sports facilities. He has also created a volunteer law enforcement unit that his critics have labeled as a militia and directed county detectives to work alongside federal authorities in Trump’s immigration crackdown.