By Anthony Cacciato
It was once said by our first Republican president that a house divided against itself cannot stand.
Earlier this week, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) entered the Republican primary for Governor of New York, a move which has created a rift within the New York GOP, creating a primary which will cost Republicans both money and time which could be spent exposing Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D-Hamburg) shortcomings. Honest discussions about the best way to combat these issues is absolutely necessary, but at a moment where New York is at the tipping point, a strong and united opposition to the failed policies of Kathy Hochul and the New York Democrats is critical.
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) has proven herself to be the coalition builder and unifier that’s necessary to lead this charge. Having served as Chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, she understands how to unite not just Republicans, but a wide coalition of people who want to bring about positive change. She has also been a champion of conservative principles, holding the line on protecting our Constitutional freedoms, especially our Second Amendment rights. Most importantly, she has been a fighter for transparency and accountability, asking the tough questions to get New Yorkers the answers they deserve. She is the strong and competent leader that Republicans in New York need to hold Kathy Hochul to account on the rising cost of living in New York, failure to combat crime, and bending the knee to extremism in her party.
Bruce Blakeman has done a tremendous job in his role as Nassau County Executive, and his work to help keep Long Island one of the safest places in America has not gone unnoticed or underappreciated by Long Islanders. His electoral success in a year dominated by Democrats nationwide is nothing to scoff at, and signals the trust his constituents place in him to continue delivering for Nassau County, especially with the imminent mayoral administration of Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria). Nassau County, which shares a border with Queens, needs a full-time County Executive who will be the first line of defense against the consequences of radical policy decisions and socialist economics. Any governor’s success depends on strong partners in local government, and Bruce Blakeman is the type of County Executive that a future Governor Stefanik will need to be successful.
Democrats have already thrown themselves into a bloody primary, with Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado (D-Rhinebeck) challenging his boss for the Democratic nomination for governor. Instead of wasting time bringing each other down, Republicans must use this opportunity to join the growing chorus of voices which are calling out Kathy Hochul for her failure to deliver for New Yorkers. Now is the time to lay out a common sense alternative that will deliver affordability, safety, and strong leadership for New Yorkers. Congresswoman Stefanik has proven herself to be the standard bearer for this fight, and we must rally behind her to save our state.
Anthony Cacciato is a senior at Carnegie Mellon University studying Economics and Political Science. He is a lifelong Suffolk County resident, and currently resides in Huntington.
