NEW YORK (WABC) -- Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has officially entered the race for New York governor, releasing a campaign ad that highlights his public service record.

"We need a strong executive. Like President Trump, Bruce Blakeman is a leader who can make the tough choices to get things down and defeat Hochul," the ad says.

Blakeman will face Rep. Elise Stefanik in a primary that state Republican Party leaders have said they do not want. They are both aiming to unseat Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul next November.

"It makes it much more entertaining for me," Hochul initially reacted when asked about a Republican primary standoff.

A Hochul campaign spokesperson called the Nassau County Executive "Bootlicker Bruce Blakeman" and said he "raised costs on New Yorkers and chee

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