Trump Endorses Blakeman at Syracuse GOP Rally

President Donald Trump arrived in Syracuse, New York, on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, for a Republican rally at the Oncenter where he endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for governor, marking Trump's first visit to the city while serving as president.

According to syracuse.com, Air Force One landed at Syracuse Hancock International Airport at 6:40 p.m. Commercial flights were temporarily paused during the arrival, then resumed at 7:22 p.m. after Trump's motorcade left for the rally.

According to cnycentral.com, Trump was scheduled to speak around 7 p.m., while PBS reported the event was expected to begin at 7:30 p.m. The visit came as Republicans prepare for the 2026 Midterm Election.

Blakeman, who serves as Nassau County executive, has positioned himself as a Republican candidate seeking the governor's office and has closely aligned his campaign with Trump, according to PBS.

"I don't think it has an effect," said Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County executive.

Blakeman has argued that his relationship with Trump would not define his campaign and said he makes decisions independently, according to PBS.

"I am somebody who takes every issue and makes a decision based on good advice from smart people and common sense," said Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County executive.

Blakeman also described differences between his views and Trump's positions on abortion and immigration policy during the PBS interview.

"he's pro-life. I'm pro-choice." said Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County executive.

"I believe in a comprehensive guest worker immigration program. He hasn't embraced that yet." said Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County executive.

Former New York Gov. David Paterson criticized Blakeman's close association with Trump, saying it could affect the Republican's appeal among moderate voters, according to PBS.

"If his advertising to get the job is to champion Trump, it's going to create a whole lot of problems," said David Paterson, former New York governor.

Paterson continued his criticism of the strategy, arguing that some voters in the middle could react negatively to the alliance.

"could drive a lot of people who are in the middle over the edge." said David Paterson, former New York governor.

PBS reported that Trump previously expressed optimism about New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a visit to New York City.

"Hopefully you're going to be a great one," said Donald Trump, president of the United States.

Traffic and transportation disruptions affected Syracuse during the visit. According to localsyr.com, road closures, motorcade movements and a planned protest near Clinton Square created delays, while some after-school activities were canceled.

Airport officials said operations were expected to face limited disruption from the presidential visit.

"Airlines are aware of the president's visit and there's expected to be minimal impact on airport operations during the arrival and departure of Air Force One. Passengers should contact their airline directly for flight status updates." said Kieran Coffey, Syracuse Regional Airport Authority spokesperson.

PBS reported that the New York governor race is taking place in a state where Democrats hold a significant voter registration advantage and where Republicans have not won the governor's office since George Pataki's tenure.

"I think over the years, the Republican Party in New York has spent more time mirroring what the national Republican Party is saying," said David Paterson, former New York governor.