Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman launched his campaign for New York governor Tuesday, spurring a competitive Republican primary in next year's election that party leaders had hoped to avoid.

In a social media post, Blakeman said he is "ready to take on [Gov.] Kathy Hochul and fight for our families."

"Our state is struggling with high taxes, rising utility bills, and rising crime," he tweeted, touting his record on public safety, immigration and taxes in Nassau County. "New Yorkers deserve a proven leader who will Put New York First."

Blakeman joins U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, who represents the North Country, in the race. Both candidates are aligned with President Donald Trump. State GOP Party Chair Ed Cox, who has been backing Stefanik for governor, has said he'd like to avoid a primary contest so the party can focus on beating Hochul.

Blakeman has cast himself as the Republican leader of the New York City suburbs that have increasingly embraced Trump since 2016.

Bernadette Breslin, a spokesperson for Stefanik's campaign, said the congressmember "is the strongest candidate against Kathy Hochul by a long shot."

"Elise has led the most effective attacks on the Worst Governor in America Kathy Hochul as Bruce Blakeman has worked overtime to torpedo fellow Republicans," Breslin said in a statement. "Bruce Blakeman is an early Christmas present to Kathy Hochul as he works to blow Republicans' best chance to win."

Cox said Tuesday that Blakeman "is well-liked and respected" within the party, but Stefanik is the GOP's best bet for taking the state Executive Mansion.

"I am confident that coming out of our convention, Elise Stefanik will be our candidate and there will be no primary," Cox said in a statement. "Working together, Republicans will break one-party Democrat rule and end Kathy Hochul's affordability crisis."

Hochul is seeking re-election and facing a Democratic primary challenge from Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado.

"Bruce Blakeman is another MAGA cheerleader running to do Donald Trump’s bidding in New York — and raise your costs," Hochul tweeted alongside a video attacking the Nassau executive Tuesday. "Not on my watch."

Republicans last won a statewide New York race in 2002, when Gov. George Pataki was elected to a third term. But Republican nominee Lee Zeldin’s strong showing against Hochul in the 2022 gubernatorial election, especially on Long Island, has sparked GOP hopes of a comeback in Albany.

This story has been updated with additional information.