Bruce Blakeman Launches Re-Election Campaign

By Chris O'Neill

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman kicked-offed his reelection campaign on Monday, Feb. 24th during a boisterous and enthusiastic Rally at American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa.

With hundreds of supporters chanting “Four more years”, Blakeman, who is vying for a second term, promised to hire more police and correctional officers and to continue to work closely with the Trump administration in arresting and deporting illegal immigrants who have committed crimes.

During his time in office, Blakeman promoted legislation banning face masks (with exceptions) in public places, forbidding biological males from competing in women’s sports, and creating a citizen’s neighborhood militia. He also refused to make Nassau a sanctuary country for illegal immigrants.

U.S. News and and World Report reported in August 2024 that Nassau Country has become the safest county in the United States.

Under Blakeman, Nassau County is partnering with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by embedding ten detectives in ICE to target illegals who commit crimes and by allocating dedicated space in jail before their transfer to ICE for deportation.

According to Blakeman, who wants Nassau to be safe “and normal”, his initiative to create a citizen’s militia (in the form special sheriff deputies), is meant to support police in times of emergency, such as was Hurricane Sandy. His initiative is, however is being sued by Democrats as an “illegal, taxpayer-funded civilian militia.”

Nassau County has had ten county executives since the office was created in 1938, seven republicans and three democrats.

In 2021, Blakeman squeaked-out a narrow 50.3% victory over his democratic opponent, Laura Curran, the first woman executive. Previously Blakeman had served as in the Nassau Country Legislature and on the Hempstead Town Council.

Blakeman's opponent this year will be freshman Nassau Legislator Seth Koslow (D-Merrick) who put out a statement that “Taxes are higher, crime is rising, and millions in illegal fees have not been refunded...Nassau County deserves better.” Blakeman, however, did not raise taxes during his term, and crime is down.

Present to support Blakeman at the rally were Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, former US Congressman Peter King, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, North Hempstead Supervisor Jen DeSena, and Nassau Republican Chairman Joe Cairo.

Election Day is coming up on November 4th.