Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman says his decades in the public spotlight as an elected official have prepared him for this moment.

“With all my gray hair comes a little wisdom. So, I've learned from others. I've learned from life lessons,” Blakeman said.

Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) is seeking a second term as Nassau County executive after serving as a Hempstead Town Councilman and Presiding Officer of the Nassau Legislature – and amid speculation that he could run for governor of New York in 2026.

“I want to be the best county executive that I can be. That's what I wake up to do each and every day,” Blakeman said.

In an interview with News 12, Blakeman insists he’s laser focus on his reelection bid. The GOP incumbent points to his record of holding the line on taxes (he hasn’t increased taxes during his four year term) and maintaining public safety.

“I think I have a tremendous amount of support because people like the fact that we're the safest county in America,” Blakeman said.

“They like the fact that I haven't raised taxes one penny in four years.”

But Blakeman also has his detractors.

His decision to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has drawn protests.

Democrats in the County Legislature liken his creation of an armed deputy unit tasked with providing extra support in emergency situations to a “militia.”

LGBTQ advocates and allies accuse Blakeman of bullying. They say a county law banning transgender athletes from completing in women’s sports at Nassau owned facilities is “discriminatory.”

Blakeman is the law’s chief advocate.

“The only bullies here are the biological males who want to play on girls’ teams,” Blakeman said.

Blakeman also has a high profile ally who rankles his detractors: President Donald Trump.

"[Blakeman] has my complete and total endorsement,” President Trump said when flanked by Blakeman upon his arrival to Long Island to attend the Ryder Cup in September. “He’s a really great guy.”

Blakeman has embraced the President’s support on the campaign trail.

“I would rather stand with President Trump than Zohran Mandami and Kathy Hochul,” Blakeman said. “I think I'm on the right side.”