NEW YORK (AP) — Bruce Blakeman, a Republican county official in New York City’s Long Island suburbs, is expected to launch a campaign for New York governor on Tuesday, according to a person with knowledge of his plans.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to disclose the plan publicly.

Blakeman’s entrance into the race is set to kick off a heavily contested Republican primary race with U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, both allies of President Donald Trump. Stefanik announced her candidacy last month.

Trump on Monday declined to take a side in the incoming 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,

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