Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, describing the 90-minute meeting as a conversation between “friends.”

Blakeman said Trump is “very supportive” of his campaign but declined to say whether the president will campaign with him.

It remains unclear how much Trump’s backing would help in New York, where Democrats have dominated presidential elections for decades. Trump lost the state in 2016, 2020 and 2024, and Democrats have carried New York in every presidential race since 1988.

What You Need To Know

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman met with Trump for 90 minutes and says the president supports his campaign

He would not say whether Trump will campaign with him in New York

Blakeman is embracing his relationship with Trump despite the state’s strong Democratic track record

Immigration policy and Hochul’s proposal on law enforcement cooperation were also part of their discussion

Asked about the political implications of his relationship with Trump as he seeks support from Democrats and independents, Blakeman said he would not distance himself.

“I value that relationship, and I’m not going to run away from it. I’m not going to be a phony. New Yorkers can spot a phony a mile away,” Blakeman said. “They tried to run against me saying that I was a ‘MAGA guy’ and I was a ‘Trump guy’ when I ran for reelection, and I won in a landslide. I don’t care what they say about me or my relationship with the president. He’s my friend, he’s my ally, and I’m going to run on the issues.”

Blakeman said he does not provide details about his conversations with Trump, a stance he reiterated Tuesday and in previous interviews.

He said the two “caught up as friends” and discussed economic development, energy policy and tax policy in New York, as well as how global events could affect the state.

Asked whether they discussed New York City’s mayor, Blakeman laughed and said, “We may have.”

The meeting comes as immigration enforcement remains a flashpoint in New York politics. Border czar Tom Homan recently threatened to “flood” the state with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents if a proposal by Gov. Kathy Hochul to limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities is included in the state budget.

Blakeman confirmed immigration was part of his discussion with Trump but declined to elaborate.

“The governor’s making a terrible mistake,” he said.

As Nassau County executive, Blakeman has said he would sue Hochul if the proposal is enacted. He did not directly answer whether he supports increasing the number of ICE agents in New York under those circumstances.