President’s Message by Philip Orenstein
January 2026
It was Friday night, December 19th, and I had just begun drafting this President’s Message for The Queens Village Eagle. I was focusing on the critical 2026 Republican primary for Governor of New York, when breaking news changed the landscape. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced that she was ending her campaign for governor.
Congresswoman Stefanik is a rising Republican rock star and was the state GOP’s endorsed candidate, even as another major Republican leader had entered the race. I had planned to write about the fundamental importance of competitive primaries—why grassroots Republicans must have a real voice, rather than having their nominee dictated from the top down by party insiders. That approach has failed New York Republicans repeatedly in recent years, and the results speak for themselves.
Primaries are good for Republicans. There is no stronger way to energize voters, increase turnout, and build winning coalitions than by respecting the will of Republican voters through a meaningful primary process. Competition sharpens candidates and strengthens movements. Just as MLB teams must earn their way through playoff games before reaching the World Series, political victories are forged through competition, accountability, and engagement. We were looking forward to a spirited primary between two popular New York MAGA Republican leaders—Elise Stefanik and Bruce Blakeman—because the process itself would have energized Republicans statewide.
With Stefanik’s withdrawal, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, now endorsed by President Trump, stands as the leading Republican nominee for governor. Since taking office in 2022, Blakeman has built an exceptional record as county executive, earning widespread support from Nassau County residents and strong backing from President Trump supporters. His record of achievement stands in sharp contrast to the failed left-wing policies dominating New York State, as Governor Kathy Hochul continues to lurch further left—most recently embracing and endorsing Mayor-elect Mamdani.
Blakeman is a proven executive who could step into the governor’s mansion tomorrow. Hochul, by contrast, remains deeply unpopular. According to a recent Siena College poll, only 37 percent of New York voters want to reelect her, while a full 50 percent say they want someone else. New Yorkers are clearly ready for change.
As county executive, Bruce Blakeman cut taxes, reduced crime, opposed the disastrous Democrat’s bail reform and sanctuary policies, and supported the Trump administration’s efforts to stop illegal immigration, securing the Nassau–Queens border even as New York City opened the floodgates. He has stood firm against radical policies, issued executive actions to protect women’s sports and their facilities from trans people (men), and continues to defend those decisions despite legal attacks from the state attorney general. He pushed back against unconstitutional mask and vaccine mandates and signed the Mask Transparency Act to prevent anonymity-fueled antisemitism and hate crimes.
The results speak volumes. In 2024, Nassau County was ranked the safest county in America by U.S. News & World Report. In 2025, it was ranked among the most desirable places to live in the nation. Nassau’s schools are consistently recognized for high academic performance, with many ranking among the best in New York State and the country.
We fully expect Bruce Blakeman to defeat Kathy Hochul and help save New York State. And as we look ahead, we have thrilling news for 2026—what we believe will be an extraordinary year for our club and our country. America will celebrate its 250th Anniversary, and the Queens Village Republican Club will mark its own historic milestone with our 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner on Sunday, March 1st. This patriotic celebration will honor the founding spirit of our nation, with Bruce Blakeman serving as one of our keynote speakers. Other nationally recognized conservative leaders are already confirmed, and invitations have been sent to senior Trump administration officials. Our goal is simple and bold: to make the 2026 Lincoln Dinner the greatest patriotic gala in the proud history of America’s oldest Republican club.
We are also launching exciting new initiatives in the new year. At our New Year’s Kickoff Meeting on January 8th at Marbella, we will formally announce and open enrollment for new club committees. This special evening will also include the installation of our officers and board of directors by distinguished members of the Queens Village–Bellerose business community. In addition, we will hear from a leading commercial real estate mortgage and energy policy expert who will explain New York City’s sweeping green energy mandates, how they affect homeowners, co-op and condo boards, and investment property owners—and what we can do to survive and prosper under these draconian policies.
If you want to be more active in advancing our enduring principles of faith, family, freedom, and service to our communities, there is a place for you in this club. As MAGA Republicans who love our country and support our president, we must be a positive, organized force for change—and our club committees are how that work gets done.
We are especially seeking Republicans willing to serve as county committeemen and committeewomen — the most powerful grassroots offices in America. These Election District leaders are the frontline connection between the Republican Party and the voters, responsible for delivering victories where they matter most. They are the foot soldiers in the battle to save New York and our neighborhoods.
Additional committee opportunities will be announced at our January meeting. Current committees welcoming participation include Membership, Newspaper, Hospitality, Legislative, and Candidate Screening. Exciting new committees now in formation include Youth, Education & Academic Freedom, and Arts & Entertainment.
This is your club—your vehicle to make a real difference, to educate and inform the public, and to inspire the next generation of Republican patriots to embrace America’s founding values. Get involved. Join a committee. Attend our January 8th meeting and bring a friend. Together, let’s elect Republicans across New York State and make 2026—America’s 250th birthday—the greatest year yet for our club, New York, and our country.
