Why a Trump Endorsement Helps and Hurts in New York

A lot of people are asking what a Trump endorsement really does in a New York governor’s race—especially for Bruce Blakeman against Kathy Hochul.

Here’s the honest breakdown—no spin.

Where it helps
• It locks in the Republican base quickly.
• It brings media attention and fundraising energy.
• It gives clarity—voters know exactly where a candidate stands.

Where it hurts
• New York is a Democratic-leaning state with millions of independents.
• Donald Trump remains unpopular statewide.
• The endorsement turns the race into a binary fight, not a performance review.
• Swing voters—especially suburban and independent voters—tend to tune out or turn away.

What it really does
A Trump endorsement raises the floor but lowers the ceiling.
It helps win a party lane—but makes it harder to win the state.

That’s not a judgment. It’s math.

And this is why so many New Yorkers feel stuck choosing between options that don’t actually reflect their lives, their stress, or their priorities. The system keeps forcing national labels onto local problems.

BETTR exists because people are tired of that.
Tired of being told who they’re supposed to vote against instead of who’s actually going to work for them.

This isn’t about loyalty to personalities.
It’s about outcomes for real people.

If you’ve ever felt politically homeless, you’re not alone—and you’re exactly who BETTR was built for.

— Jason S. Arnold
Founder, BETTR
Independent Candidate for Governor of New York (2026)