Bruce Blakeman

Blakeman was born in Valley Stream, New York. Blakeman's father was Assemblyman Robert M. Blakeman. His mother, Betty, served in the Women's Army Corps and his father was a merchant mariner and later Naval Reserve officer.{{Cite web |last=Croce |first=Brian |date=2012-08-22 |title=Blakeman, Minerva Jr. honored for years of service |url=https://www.liherald.com/valleystream/stories/blakeman-minerva-jr-honored-for-years-of-service,42760 |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Herald Community Newspapers |language=en |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505193156/https://www.liherald.com/valleystream/stories/blakeman-minerva-jr-honored-for-years-of-service,42760 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Obituary of Robert M. Blakeman |url=https://glynnfh.com/tribute/details/684/Robert-Blakeman/obituary.html |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=THOMAS A. GLYNN & SON FUNERAL HOME |language=en-US |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505192439/https://glynnfh.com/tribute/details/684/Robert-Blakeman/obituary.html |url-status=live }} His brother, Brad Blakeman, was on the staff of President George W. Bush.

Blakeman attended Valley Stream Central High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and government from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctor from the California Western School of Law.{{Cite web |title=Nassau GOP picks Bruce Blakeman to challenge Laura Curran |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/bruce-blakeman-nassau-county-executive-republican-q46063 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=Newsday |date=March 15, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729022138/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/bruce-blakeman-nassau-county-executive-republican-q46063 |url-status=live }} During school, he worked on Republican political campaigns and, for a time, was a driver for former First Lady Nancy Reagan. After passing the bar, he worked as a partner at his father's law firm. Blakeman also holds a certificate in Homeland Security management from Long Island University.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nypcba.org/bruce-a-blakeman|title=New York Police Chief's Benevolent Association|website=New York Police Chief's Benevolent Association|access-date=February 8, 2023|archive-date=February 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208234218/https://www.nypcba.org/bruce-a-blakeman|url-status=live}}

Bruce Blakeman was first elected to the Hempstead Town Council in 1993.{{Cite web|url=https://www.liherald.com/stories/blakeman-back-on-the-town-board,63023|title=Blakeman back on the town board|website=Herald Community Newspapers|date=January 21, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2022|archive-date=March 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317081143/https://www.liherald.com/stories/blakeman-back-on-the-town-board,63023|url-status=live}}

In 1993, federal district court judge Arthur D. Spatt ruled Nassau County's Board of Supervisors to be in violation of one man, one vote. The Board of Supervisors authorized the creation of the Nassau County Legislature as a successor to their body. Elections were held in November 1995, and Blakeman, at the time a Hempstead town Councilman, was elected to the first legislative class to represent the 7th district. He was also elected the body's first presiding officer.{{cite web | url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/bruce-blakeman-s-time-as-presiding-officer-in-90s-cited-in-current-congressional-race-f51248 | title=Bruce Blakeman's time as presiding officer in '90s cited in current Congressional race | date=October 24, 2014 | access-date=July 21, 2022 | archive-date=July 21, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721025736/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/bruce-blakeman-s-time-as-presiding-officer-in-90s-cited-in-current-congressional-race-f51248 | url-status=live }} The body took their seats on January 1, 1996.

In 1998, Blakeman was the Republican nominee for New York State Comptroller. He lost in the general election to incumbent Democrat Carl McCall.

During a particularly bad election year for Nassau County Republicans, Blakeman lost his seat in the Legislature in the election of November 1999 to Jeff Toback, and the Republicans lost the majority.{{Cite news |last=Halbfinger |first=David M. |date=1999-11-03 |title=THE 1999 ELECTIONS: NASSAU; Nassau County Halts a Century Of G.O.P. Rule |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/03/nyregion/the-1999-elections-nassau-nassau-county-halts-a-century-of-gop-rule.html |access-date=2024-05-05 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505193843/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/03/nyregion/the-1999-elections-nassau-nassau-county-halts-a-century-of-gop-rule.html |url-status=live }}

In June 2001, Blakeman was appointed by Governor George Pataki as a commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He held that position until 2009.{{cite web | url=https://observer.com/2014/09/gop-ex-port-authority-commissioner-lane-closure-highly-suspect/ | title=GOP Ex-Port Authority Commissioner: Lane Closure 'Highly Suspect' | website=The New York Observer | date=8 September 2014 | access-date=July 21, 2022 | archive-date=July 21, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721022448/https://observer.com/2014/09/gop-ex-port-authority-commissioner-lane-closure-highly-suspect/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=42162 |work=OurCampaigns.com |title=Candidate - Bruce A. Blakeman |access-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721025418/https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=42162 |url-status=live }} He was a commissioner during the September 11th attacks.{{Relevance inline|sentence|date=February 2024|reason=did he do anything notable on 9/11, or did he just happen to be a commissioner at the time?}}

In 2007, as a member of the New York law firm Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Greenberg, Formato & Einige, Blakeman brokered the purchase of 52 acres of land in Melville by Canon USA for the construction of new headquarters.{{cite web |url=https://www.globest.com/sites/globest/2007/06/06/103m-land-grab-keeps-canon-in-long-island/ |date=June 6, 2007 |work=globest.com |access-date=July 13, 2023 |title=$103M Land Grab Keeps Canon in Long Island |archive-date=July 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713132721/https://www.globest.com/sites/globest/2007/06/06/103m-land-grab-keeps-canon-in-long-island/ |url-status=live }} About 1,200 people worked at their old Lake Success offices at the time. Previous attempts to move their headquarters to Westbury and Brookville were unsuccessful, and Canon was expected to move out of state if the deal fell through.{{cite news|title=In Canon USA move deal, Nassau's loss, Long Island's gain|first=Dawn |last=Wotapka Hardesty|work=Long Island Business News|place=Ronkonkoma, NY|date=July 28, 2006}} Long Island Business News reported that Blakeman received a "multimillion-dollar" commission for the sale.{{cite news|title=CanonUSA promises big things at Melville headquarters|first=David |last=Winzelberg |work=Long Island Business News |place=Ronkonkoma, NY|date=June 8, 2007}}

In the 2010 special election, Blakeman ran for United States Senate, but lost the Republican primary to former congressman Joe DioGuardi. In 2014, Blakeman ran for the 4th congressional district, after incumbent Carolyn McCarthy announced her retirement.{{Cite web|title=Former county legislator announces run for Congress|url=https://www.liherald.com/stories/former-county-legislator-announces-run-for-congress,53142|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Herald Community Newspapers|date=February 20, 2014|language=en|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203214526/https://www.liherald.com/stories/former-county-legislator-announces-run-for-congress,53142|url-status=live}} He won the Republican nomination, but was defeated 53% to 47% in the general election by Democrat Kathleen Rice.

In January 2015, Blakeman was appointed to the Hempstead Town Council, replacing James Darcy{{cite web | url=https://www.newsday.com/news/bruce-blakeman-erin-king-sweeney-to-be-appointed-to-hempstead-town-board-f29636 | title=Bruce Blakeman, Erin King Sweeney appointed to Hempstead Town Board | date=January 14, 2015 | access-date=July 4, 2022 | archive-date=July 4, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704044858/https://www.newsday.com/news/bruce-blakeman-erin-king-sweeney-to-be-appointed-to-hempstead-town-board-f29636 | url-status=live }} after previously serving on the Hempstead Town Council from 1993 to 1995.

In 2017, Blakeman joined fellow Republican councilwoman Erin King-Sweeney in endorsing Democratic challenger Laura Gillen in the race for Hempstead Town Supervisor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.liherald.com/stories/blakeman-crosses-party-lines-endorses-gillen-for-town-supervisor,97061|title=Blakeman crosses party lines, endorses Gillen for town supervisor|website=Herald Community Newspapers|date=October 27, 2017|access-date=December 6, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206203821/https://www.liherald.com/stories/blakeman-crosses-party-lines-endorses-gillen-for-town-supervisor,97061|url-status=live}} Gillen, who ran against incumbent Town Supervisor Republican Anthony Santino, went on to win the election, becoming the first Democratic Hempstead Town Supervisor in over 100 years.{{Cite web|url=https://theislandnow.com/laura-gillen-sworn-town-hempsteads-first-democratic-town-supervisor-100-years/|title=Laura Gillen sworn in as Town of Hempstead's first Democratic town supervisor in 100 years - News|first=Rebecca|last=Klar|date=January 2, 2018|access-date=December 6, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206204015/https://theislandnow.com/laura-gillen-sworn-town-hempsteads-first-democratic-town-supervisor-100-years/|url-status=live}} Gillen named Blakeman Deputy Town Supervisor.{{Cite web|url=https://patch.com/new-york/gardencity/bruce-blakeman-named-deputy-town-supervisor|title=Bruce Blakeman Named Deputy Town Supervisor|date=January 8, 2018|website=Garden City, NY Patch|access-date=December 6, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206204256/https://patch.com/new-york/gardencity/bruce-blakeman-named-deputy-town-supervisor|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/gillen-blakeman-deputy-supervisor-b65866|title=Bruce Blakeman appointed Hempstead Town deputy supervisor|website=Newsday|date=January 7, 2018 |access-date=December 18, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206204533/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/gillen-blakeman-deputy-supervisor-b65866|url-status=live}}

In 2019, Blakeman and King-Sweeney endorsed Republican Receiver of Taxes Donald X. Clavin Jr. against Democratic Town Supervisor Laura Gillen for Town Supervisor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/hempstead-supervisor-endorse-t53008|title=Hempstead council members Blakeman and King Sweeney endorse Don Clavin for supervisor|website=Newsday|access-date=December 18, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206205624/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/hempstead-supervisor-endorse-t53008|url-status=live}} Clavin went on to win against Gillen.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/nassau-town-elections-e03601|title=Clavin claims win, Gillen doesn't concede in Hempstead supervisor race|website=Newsday|date=November 6, 2019 |access-date=December 18, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206204115/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/nassau-town-elections-e03601|url-status=live}}

Blakeman was succeeded on the Hempstead town council by Republican Assemblywoman Melissa Miller.{{Cite web|url=https://www.liherald.com/stories/miller-to-succeed-blakeman-on-hempstead-town-board,138367|title=Miller to succeed Blakeman on Hempstead town board|website=Herald Community Newspapers|date=February 9, 2022|access-date=December 18, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206205607/https://www.liherald.com/stories/miller-to-succeed-blakeman-on-hempstead-town-board,138367|url-status=live}}

In March 2021, Blakeman was chosen by Nassau Republicans to run against incumbent Democratic Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/bruce-blakeman-nassau-county-executive-republican-q46063|title=Nassau GOP picks Bruce Blakeman to challenge Laura Curran|website=Newsday|date=March 15, 2021|access-date=July 29, 2022|archive-date=July 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729022138/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/bruce-blakeman-nassau-county-executive-republican-q46063|url-status=live}} In the 2021 election he squeaked by with 50.35% of the vote,{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/curran-blakeman-absentee-count-nassau-g83756|title=Bruce Blakeman defeats Laura Curran for Nassau executive after count of absentees|website=Newsday|date=November 17, 2021|access-date=December 6, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206204935/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/curran-blakeman-absentee-count-nassau-g83756|url-status=live}} which was considered surprising in a county with 100,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans.{{Cite news |last=McKinley |first=Jesse |date=2022-02-10 |title=How a Long Island Republican Used a Mask Rebellion to Revive His Career |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/10/nyregion/bruce-blakeman-republican-masks.html |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404084254/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/10/nyregion/bruce-blakeman-republican-masks.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Rubinstein |first1=Dana |last2=Marcius |first2=Chelsia Rose |date=2021-11-08 |title=Why Republicans Won in a New York County Where Democrats Outnumber Them |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/08/nyregion/nassau-county-republicans-election.html |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403110136/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/08/nyregion/nassau-county-republicans-election.html |url-status=live }}

Blakeman opposes the 2019 New York bail reform and has called for its repeal. Shortly after taking office, he issued an executive order permitting the Nassau County Police Department to disclose when a person released without bail is rearrested.{{Cite web |last=Pelaez |first=Robert |date=2022-01-26 |title=Executive order allows Nassau Police Department to publish bail status, case information of repeat offenders - Featured |url=https://theislandnow.com/featured/executive-order-allows-nassau-police-department-to-publish-bail-status-case-information-of-repeat-offenders/ |access-date=2022-02-03 |website=The Island Now |language=en-US |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203192625/https://theislandnow.com/featured/executive-order-allows-nassau-police-department-to-publish-bail-status-case-information-of-repeat-offenders/ |url-status=live }}

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, Blakeman helped conduct a rifle drive which resulted in the collection of 60 rifles for Ukraine at a Nassau County gun shop. At the time it was unclear how the rifles would be sent to Ukraine: a Homeland Security said that a weapons shipment would have to be approved by the Department of State. A couple weeks later, the Florida gun manufacturer Kel-Tec agreed to deliver the donated guns to Ukraine as part of a larger shipment of 400 weapons.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ny-official-seeks-gun-donations-for-ukraine-but-unclear-how-ukrainians-would-get-firearms/3582767/ |access-date=July 13, 2023 |title=NY Official Seeks Gun Donations for Ukraine, But Unclear How Ukrainians Would Get Firearms |first=Greg |last=Cergol |date=March 3, 2022 |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006201013/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ny-official-seeks-gun-donations-for-ukraine-but-unclear-how-ukrainians-would-get-firearms/3582767/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-03-18 |title=Nassau County Executive Blakeman announces first shipment of donated guns to Ukraine |url=https://abc7ny.com/nassau-county-bruce-blakeman-firearms-donated-guns/11661487/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405205708/https://abc7ny.com/nassau-county-bruce-blakeman-firearms-donated-guns/11661487/ |url-status=live }}

On January 11, 2023, Blakeman joined Nassau Republican Chairman Joseph Cairo and other elected officials to call for the resignation of Congressman George Santos. Blakeman pledged not to work with Santos, criticizing him for lying about his resume, and falsely claiming his grandparents were Holocaust survivors.{{cite web | url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/more-republicans-call-for-scandal-plagued-congressman-george-santos-to-resign | title=More Republicans call for scandal-plagued Congressman George Santos to resign | website=PBS | date=12 January 2023 | access-date=January 13, 2023 | archive-date=January 14, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114033009/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/more-republicans-call-for-scandal-plagued-congressman-george-santos-to-resign | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/george-santos-rebuked-by-nassau-county-gop-resign/ar-AA16ew7P | title=George Santos Rebuked by Nassau County GOP: Resign | website=MSN | access-date=January 13, 2023 | archive-date=January 13, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113195026/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/george-santos-rebuked-by-nassau-county-gop-resign/ar-AA16ew7P | url-status=live }}

In March 2023, preceding Ramadan, Passover, Easter, and a campaign visit from then-presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, Blakeman created a patrol unit within the Nassau County Police Department modeled on the NYPD's "Hercules" counterterrorism unit.{{Cite web |title=Nassau police launch patrol unit to deter crime at schools, houses of worship |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/nassau-police-initiative-overwatch-ryder-adcbktpp |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Newsday |date=March 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405152351/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/nassau-police-initiative-overwatch-ryder-adcbktpp |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Nassau County police implementing new strategy with more visible patrols |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nassau-county-police-trying-new-strategy-to-crack-down-on-crime/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=www.cbsnews.com |date=March 31, 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405152351/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nassau-county-police-trying-new-strategy-to-crack-down-on-crime/ |url-status=live }}

On May 24, 2023, Blakeman held a rally and press conference in Manhattan in support of West Islip resident Daniel Penny. Penny, a former Marine, was arrested by the NYPD on a charge of fatally choking Jordan Neely, a homeless man who was allegedly acting in a threatening manner, aboard a New York City subway train on May 1 in Chinatown.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-24 |title=NYC rally supporting chokehold suspect Daniel Penny, organized by Nassau Executive Bruce Blakeman, disrupted by counter-demonstrators |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/crime/bruce-blakeman-daniel-penny-rally-manhattan-k1ymazoy |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=Newsday |language=en |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606144353/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/crime/bruce-blakeman-daniel-penny-rally-manhattan-k1ymazoy |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Siff |first1=Andrew |date=2023-05-25 |title=NYC Rally In Support of Subway Chokehold Suspect Daniel Penny Leads to 3 Arrests |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-rally-in-support-of-subway-chokehold-suspect-daniel-penny-leads-to-3-arrests/4364624/ |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=NBC New York |language=en-US |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606144355/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-rally-in-support-of-subway-chokehold-suspect-daniel-penny-leads-to-3-arrests/4364624/ |url-status=live }} Over the course of the rally, 3 counter-demonstrators were arrested.

While walking in the 2023 Stewart Manor 4 July parade, a 10-year-old girl from Franklin Square threw a water balloon at Blakeman from 100 feet away, striking him in the head. It is a long-standing tradition to throw water balloons at fire engines and politicians at this parade. Video of the incident went viral, having been viewed 40 million times as of August 2, 2023. Many viewers mistook Blakeman for Mike Pence. Blakeman located the girl and her family, and worked with New York Yankees President Randy Levine to bring her to a Yankee game and watch batting practice from the field.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-04 |title=NY Yankees Honor Girl Who Beaned Politician With Water Balloon |url=https://www.insideedition.com/ny-yankees-honor-10-year-old-girl-who-beaned-politician-in-the-head-with-water-balloon-from-400 |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=Inside Edition |language=en-US |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810225203/https://www.insideedition.com/ny-yankees-honor-10-year-old-girl-who-beaned-politician-in-the-head-with-water-balloon-from-400 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-02 |title=Yankees honor fifth-grade girl who drilled Long Island politician with water balloon throw in viral video |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/yankees-honor-fifth-grade-girl-who-drilled-long-island-politician-with-water-balloon-throw-in-viral-video/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810225042/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/yankees-honor-fifth-grade-girl-who-drilled-long-island-politician-with-water-balloon-throw-in-viral-video/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Wallace |first=Danielle |date=2023-08-02 |title=Yankees praise 'impressive' arm of girl who pelted NY politician with water balloon |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/yankees-praise-impressive-arm-girl-pelted-ny-politican-water-balloon |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=Fox News |language=en-US |archive-date=August 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809014247/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/yankees-praise-impressive-arm-girl-pelted-ny-politican-water-balloon |url-status=live }}

In August 2023, during the New York City migrant housing crisis, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards suggested that migrants could be housed at the Nassau Coliseum. Blakeman responded that Nassau County had no plans for "any migrant program".{{Cite web |date=2023-08-18 |title=Coliseum should be option for migrant housing, top Queens official says |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/coliseum-migrant-blakeman-richards-queens-o0y4k8p9 |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=Newsday |language=en |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901141603/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/coliseum-migrant-blakeman-richards-queens-o0y4k8p9 |url-status=live }} Soon after, Governor Hochul said the state could not and would not force migrants to move within the state, nor could it force counties to shelter them.{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Yancey |date=2023-08-25 |title=Hochul: State won't force counties to accept migrants; Adams earlier had sought shelters on LI, elsewhere |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/immigrants-homeless-gabreski-pilgrim-kings-park-kathy-hochul-eric-adams-new-york-city-repswzzt |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=Newsday |language=en |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901140101/https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/immigrants-homeless-gabreski-pilgrim-kings-park-kathy-hochul-eric-adams-new-york-city-repswzzt |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-29 |title=Adams: Gov. Hochul 'wrong' to not force counties to accept migrants |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/kathy-hochul-eric-adams-migrants-new-york-city-counties-h4rixh7m |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=Newsday |language=en |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902040759/https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/kathy-hochul-eric-adams-migrants-new-york-city-counties-h4rixh7m |url-status=live }}

Following the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, on October 11, Blakeman held a rally in support of Israel at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater in Eisenhower Park. 6,000 people were reported to have attended. Aid for Israeli Defense Force soldiers was collected at the rally.{{Cite web |last=Asbury |first=John |date=2023-10-11 |title=Long Islanders rally to support Israel in war with 'the face of evil' |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/israel-eisenhower-park-support-j5smcrhp |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=Newsday |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226162538/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/israel-eisenhower-park-support-j5smcrhp |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Newsday |date=2023-10-10 |title='Heartbroken' Long Islanders rally in support of Israel, shaken over death toll |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/israel-long-island-rallies-support-fnkc7v80 |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=Newsday |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226162541/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/israel-long-island-rallies-support-fnkc7v80 |url-status=live }} On November 28, 2023, Blakeman called for the resignation of Susan Poser, president of Hofstra University, over a letter she sent to the Hofstra community about the Hamas attacks in Israel. Blakeman accused Poser, who is Jewish, of anti-semitism.{{Cite news |title=Nassau County executive calls on Hofstra president to resign over Israel-Hamas statement |url=https://longisland.news12.com/blakeman-calls-on-hofstra-president-to-resign-over-israel-hamas-statement |access-date=2023-12-26 |work=News 12 - Long Island |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226162539/https://longisland.news12.com/blakeman-calls-on-hofstra-president-to-resign-over-israel-hamas-statement |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Amid |first=Roksana |date=2023-12-08 |title=Blakeman, Poser clash over Israel-Hamas comments |url=https://liherald.com/fivetowns/stories/blakeman-poser-clash-over-israel,203155 |access-date=2023-12-27 |work=LI Herald |language=en |archive-date=December 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227151927/https://liherald.com/fivetowns/stories/blakeman-poser-clash-over-israel,203155 |url-status=live }}

In July 2024, the New York Times reported that Blakeman had recruited 75 people for a force of "special deputies" to deploy during emergencies. Many of them were former police officers. Critics described it as a militia force answering only to him.{{cite web | last=Kilgannon | first=Corey | title=A Trump Ally Is Training 75 Armed Citizens. Is That a Militia? | website=The New York Times | date=2024-07-11 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/11/nyregion/bruce-blakeman-armed-citizens-long-island.html | access-date=2024-08-27 | archive-date=August 27, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827012635/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/11/nyregion/bruce-blakeman-armed-citizens-long-island.html | url-status=live }} Blakeman was sued in February 2025 by Democratic county legislators opposing the special deputy force.{{cite web | last=Marcelo | first=Philip | title=Democrats sue GOP county executive over armed volunteer unit they say amounts to an illegal militia | website=AP News | date=2025-02-05 | url=https://apnews.com/article/new-york-armed-deputies-nassau-long-island-4708d686358458a3e29aecfa22a18758 | access-date=2025-02-06}}

According to media reports, Blakeman ordered county agencies to not lower the American flag in respect after the death of former President Jimmy Carter, despite orders from Governor Kathy Hochul.{{Cite web|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-directs-flags-half-staff-honor-former-president-jimmy-carter|title=Governor Hochul Directs Flags to Half-Staff to Honor Former President Jimmy Carter|date=December 30, 2024|website=Governor Kathy Hochul|access-date=January 4, 2024}}{{cite web | last=Jack | first=Dominique | title=Nassau County executive refuses to fly flags at half-staff | website=PIX11 | date=2025-01-03 | url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/nassau-county-executive-refuses-to-fly-flags-at-half-staff/ | access-date=2025-01-04}}

On September 19, 2022, Blakeman introduced his annual budget proposal for the 2023 fiscal year. This proposal kept tax rates the same and added nearly 100 additional law enforcement positions.{{Cite web |title=Nassau exec proposes 2023 budget with no tax increase, more cops |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/nassau-blakeman-budget-2022-2023-t7cf43kk |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=Newsday |date=September 16, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=September 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921145351/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/nassau-blakeman-budget-2022-2023-t7cf43kk |url-status=live }}

On September 16, 2024, Blakeman signed the county’s 2025 budget plan, totaling $4.2 billion. The budget maintains property taxes at the same level as the previous year, ensuring no increase for both 2024 and 2025. It includes provisions for 206 new hires, such as two police cadet classes and two correction officer classes. An additional $22 million has been allocated for early intervention and preschool services for children. The budget assumes no growth in sales tax revenue, which constitutes 45% of the county’s total revenue.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-24 |title=Nassau County's $4.2B budget plan keeps taxes flat, boosts funding for early intervention programs |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/nassau-budget-plan-x7l3agav |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Newsday |language=en |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926123002/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/nassau-budget-plan-x7l3agav |url-status=live }}

Blakeman's salary in 2022 and 2023 was $211,821. In 2024, a cost-of-living adjustment increased that to $227,959.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-27 |title=Bruce Blakeman's salary rises to $227,959 for 2024, records show |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/bruce-blakeman-salary-s8403qt1 |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Newsday |language=en |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508023517/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/bruce-blakeman-salary-s8403qt1 |url-status=live }}

Blakeman is a proponent of a lease from Nassau County to the Las Vegas Sands entertainment company to redevelop the site of the Nassau Coliseum, including the construction of a casino.{{Cite web |last=Winzelberg |first=David |date=2023-01-12 |title=Sands to buy Coliseum lease to develop casino |work=Long Island Business News |url=https://libn.com/2023/01/12/sands-to-buy-coliseum-lease-to-develop-casino/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114033140/https://libn.com/2023/01/12/sands-to-buy-coliseum-lease-to-develop-casino/ |url-status=live }} The deal passed the Nassau County Legislature with a vote of 17-1 with one recusal to transfer the Coliseum lease to the Sands.{{Cite web |last=Tomassetti |first=Briella |date=2023-05-23 |title=Lawmakers approve transfer of Nassau Coliseum to Las Vegas Sands |url=https://www.fox5ny.com/news/nassau-coliseum-transfer-las-vegas-sands |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=Fox 5 NY |language=en-US |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606145857/https://www.fox5ny.com/news/nassau-coliseum-transfer-las-vegas-sands |url-status=live }} Hofstra University filed suit against the deal, claiming that the county violated the state open meetings law by not adequately providing enough transparent, public hearings for the project. Hofstra had also been critical of the project due to possible increases in crime, traffic and gambling addiction. On November 10, 2023, a state judge ruled in Hofstra's favor and struck down the deal. In May 2024, Blakeman announced that the county would resubmit the lease-transfer application.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Brandon |date=2024-05-01 |title=Blakeman announces plans to resubmit lease-transfer application for Las Vegas Sands casino in Nassau |url=https://www.liherald.com/stories/blakeman-plans-to-resubmit-lease-transfer-application-for-las-vegas-sands-casino-nassau-hub,207538 |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Herald Community Newspapers |language=en |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508023516/https://www.liherald.com/stories/blakeman-plans-to-resubmit-lease-transfer-application-for-las-vegas-sands-casino-nassau-hub,207538 |url-status=live }}

On January 17, 2024, Blakeman and Nassau Legislative Presiding Officer Howard Kopel announced the issuance of subpoenas to Hofstra University President Susan Poser. Blakeman and Kopel accused Poser of colluding with Hard Rock International, a direct competitor for the casino license. Hard Rock and Hofstra stated that neither had been in touch with the other. Hofstra described the subpoenas as retaliatory and an "attempt to distract and impede a fair and open process."{{Cite web |date=2024-01-17 |title=Nassau County accuses Hofstra University of colluding with casino competitor |url=https://abc7ny.com/hofstra-university-las-vegas-sands-nassau-casino-bruce-blakeman/14333951/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129152840/https://abc7ny.com/hofstra-university-las-vegas-sands-nassau-casino-bruce-blakeman/14333951/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-01-17 |title=Nassau County officials accuse Hofstra of 'colluding' with Queens casino bidder |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/01/17/nassau-county-officials-accuse-hofstra-of-colluding-with-queens-casino-bidder/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129152840/https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/01/17/nassau-county-officials-accuse-hofstra-of-colluding-with-queens-casino-bidder/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Brandon |date=2024-01-26 |title=Poser won't appear before Blakeman and county legislature until February |url=https://liherald.com/franklinsquare/stories/poser-wont-appear-blakeman-subpeona-nassau-county-legislature-february,205701 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Herald Community Newspapers |language=en |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129152840/https://liherald.com/franklinsquare/stories/poser-wont-appear-blakeman-subpeona-nassau-county-legislature-february,205701 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=McLogan |first=Jennifer |date=2024-01-18 |title=Hofstra University president subpoenaed amid competition for downstate New York casino license - CBS New York |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/hofstra-university-president-subpoena-casino-license/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129152840/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/hofstra-university-president-subpoena-casino-license/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Rubinstein |first=Dana |date=2024-01-26 |title=Email Misfire Adds Drama to the War for a New York Casino License |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/26/nyregion/casino-sands-license-hofstra.html |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508015143/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/26/nyregion/casino-sands-license-hofstra.html |url-status=live }}

On February 22, 2024, Blakeman issued an executive order banning women's sports teams that include transgender women from using county facilities. The ban applies to youth, college, and professional sports. Sports teams including transgender men were not targeted. In a press conference beforehand, Blakeman repeatedly referred to transgender women as "bullies" and "biological males," and recommended that they join men's or co-ed teams instead. State Democratic leadership and Long Island LGBTQ advocates condemned the order as discriminatory and illegal under state law, and accused Blakeman of using the controversy over transgender people in sports for self-promotion.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-22 |title=Nassau County bans transgender women from competing on women's teams |url=https://www.wshu.org/long-island-news/2024-02-22/nassau-county-bans-transgender-women-sports |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=WSHU |language=en |first=Molly |last=Ingram |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508180713/https://www.wshu.org/long-island-news/2024-02-22/nassau-county-bans-transgender-women-sports |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Gusoff |first1=Carolyn |last2=Bordonaro |first2=Lori |date=2024-02-22 |title=Nassau County banning transgender athletes from competing in female sports at its facilities |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nassau-county-banning-transgender-athletes-from-competing-at-its-facilities/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=CBS New York |language=en-US |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227071203/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nassau-county-banning-transgender-athletes-from-competing-at-its-facilities/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Fahy |first=Claire |date=2024-02-22 |title=N.Y. County Order Targets Transgender Women and Girls in Sports |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/nyregion/nassau-county-trans-ban.html |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404084254/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/nyregion/nassau-county-trans-ban.html |url-status=live }}

State attorney general Letitia James issued a cease-and-desist letter to Blakeman; he sued the attorney general in response. In March the Long Island Roller Rebels, represented by the New York Civil Liberties Union, filed suit against Blakeman over the order.{{cite web | last=Allen | first=Jonathan | title=A New York roller derby team's newest opponent: an order restricting trans athletes | website=Reuters | date=2024-03-22 | url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/new-york-roller-derby-teams-newest-opponent-an-order-restricting-trans-athletes-2024-03-22/ | access-date=2024-03-22}}{{Cite web |title=Long Island Roller Rebels v. Blakeman |url=https://www.nyclu.org/court-cases/roller-rebels-v-blakeman |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=NYCLU |language=en-US |archive-date=April 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417231423/https://www.nyclu.org/court-cases/roller-rebels-v-blakeman |url-status=live }} Later that month Caitlyn Jenner made an appearance with Blakeman in support of the ban.{{Cite news |last1=Stack |first1=Liam |last2=Schweber |first2=Nate |date=2024-03-20 |title=In N.Y. Suburbs, Republicans Seek Edge by Targeting Transgender Athletes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/20/nyregion/nassau-trans-women-sports.html |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420042022/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/20/nyregion/nassau-trans-women-sports.html |url-status=live }} In April, district court judge Nusrat Jahan Choudhury denied a request from Blakeman for a restraining order against James preventing her from blocking the executive order.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-05 |title=New ruling in litigation over Nassau County transgender athlete restrictions |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/transgender-nassau-ban-blakeman-judge-ruling-hp1hn8cz |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Newsday |language=en |first=Robert |last=Brodsky |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508022451/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/transgender-nassau-ban-blakeman-judge-ruling-hp1hn8cz |url-status=live }} Later that month, Choudhury dismissed his suit against James.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-15 |title=Judge's order opens door for state to sue Blakeman over transgender athlete ban in Nassau facilities |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transgender-athlete-executive-order-blakeman-attorney-general-suit-d8igg251 |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Newsday |language=en |first=Robert |last=Brodsky |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508022452/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transgender-athlete-executive-order-blakeman-attorney-general-suit-d8igg251 |url-status=live }}

On May 11, a state judge struck down the order on the grounds that the county executive lacked the authority to impose the ban.{{cite web | last=Meko | first=Hurubie | title=Transgender Athlete Ban in a Long Island County Is Struck Down in Court | website=The New York Times | date=2024-05-11 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/11/nyregion/transgender-womens-sports-ny.html | access-date=2024-06-26}} The county legislature passed a similar ban the next month, voting along party lines.{{cite web | last=Fahy | first=Claire | title=Nassau County Legislature Passes Transgender Athlete Ban | website=The New York Times | date=2024-06-24 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/24/nyregion/transgender-athlete-ban-nassau-county-ny.html | access-date=2024-06-26 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626203012/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/24/nyregion/transgender-athlete-ban-nassau-county-ny.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Lawmakers in a New York county pass transgender athlete ban after earlier ban is thrown out in court | website=AP News | date=2024-06-25 | url=https://apnews.com/article/new-york-transgender-athletes-ban-nassau-county-9e6ba0d2486c1dd2dc21355fa0f0e3ec | access-date=2024-06-26 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626203019/https://apnews.com/article/new-york-transgender-athletes-ban-nassau-county-9e6ba0d2486c1dd2dc21355fa0f0e3ec | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Webb | first=Karleigh | title=Nassau County legislature votes to double down on trans ban | website=OutSports | date=2024-06-26 | url=https://www.outsports.com/2024/6/26/24096742/nassau-county-trans-athletes-bruce-blakeman-lawsuit-court/ | access-date=2024-06-26 | archive-date=June 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626203012/https://www.outsports.com/2024/6/26/24096742/nassau-county-trans-athletes-bruce-blakeman-lawsuit-court/ | url-status=live }} This new ban was met with similar litigation. On January 21, 2025, another state judge denied a request from the Roller Rebels to suspend the ban while litigation played out.{{cite web | last=Marcelo | first=Philip | title=New York roller derby league loses bid to temporarily block ban on trans athletes | website=AP News | date=2025-01-22 | url=https://apnews.com/article/new-york-transgender-sports-nassau-roller-derby-f9556237da30d81d1ed3a8d2b14bfc3b | access-date=2025-01-25}}

During his campaign, Blakeman promised to fight the state's face mask mandate and vaccination mandate intended to address the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/blakeman-curran-nassau-election-county-executive-a12588 |title=Bruce Blakeman: I won't mandate vaccines for Nassau County workers |website=Newsday |date=November 6, 2021 |access-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013202026/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/blakeman-curran-nassau-election-county-executive-a12588 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Grullón Paz |first=Isabella |date=2021-11-06 |title=A newly elected Nassau County executive says he will not require vaccines for county workers. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/11/06/world/covid-booster-vaccine#newly-elected-nassau-county-executive-says-he-will-not-require-vaccines-for-county-workers |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213063709/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/11/06/world/covid-booster-vaccine#newly-elected-nassau-county-executive-says-he-will-not-require-vaccines-for-county-workers |url-status=live }} Upon taking office, he signed an executive order making masks optional, contravening the state mandate. On January 24 a New York Supreme Court justice in Nassau County declared the mandate unconstitutional under the state constitution, but a Court of Appeals justice stayed the ruling the next day.{{Cite web |title=NY Mask Mandate to Stay in Place During Appeals Process as Core COVID Rates Plunge |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/ny-mask-mandate-to-stay-in-place-during-appeals-process-as-core-covid-rates-fall/3527301/ |access-date=2022-02-03 |website=NBC New York |date=1 February 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203212733/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/ny-mask-mandate-to-stay-in-place-during-appeals-process-as-core-covid-rates-fall/3527301/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web | last1=Ferré-Sadurní | first1=Luis | last2=Ashford | first2=Grace | title=N.Y. Mask Mandate Back in Effect After Judge Grants Stay | website=The New York Times | date=2022-01-25 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/nyregion/nyc-mask-mandate-ruling.html | access-date=2024-04-30 | archive-date=April 30, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430205930/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/nyregion/nyc-mask-mandate-ruling.html | url-status=live }} In February the mask mandate was lifted in most circumstances, rendering the case moot.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-09 |title=N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul lifts statewide mask mandate at center of legal battle |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ny-gov-kathy-hochul-lifts-statewide-mask-mandate-center-legal-battle-rcna15450 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531204047/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ny-gov-kathy-hochul-lifts-statewide-mask-mandate-center-legal-battle-rcna15450 |url-status=live }}

On August 14, 2024, Blakeman signed into law the Mask Transparency Act,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/06/nyregion/mask-ban-nassau-county-allies.html|title=Masks Could Be Banned in Public in Nassau County, With Some Exceptions|first1=Lola|last1=Fadulu|first2=Michael|last2=Wilson|date=August 6, 2024|work=The New York Times}} an act introduced by county legislator Mazi Pilip.{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2024/07/11/us-news/nassau-county-eyes-mask-ban-amid-alarming-rise-in-antisemitism-hate-crimes-talk-is-cheap/|work=The New York Post|first=Carl|last=Campanile|title=Nassau County eyes mask ban amid alarming rise in antisemitism, hate crimes: 'Talk is cheap'|date=11 July 2024|access-date=August 15, 2024|archive-date=August 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815203141/https://nypost.com/2024/07/11/us-news/nassau-county-eyes-mask-ban-amid-alarming-rise-in-antisemitism-hate-crimes-talk-is-cheap/|url-status=live}} It was voted on and passed by the legislature on August 5, 2024. The Mask Transparency Act prohibits the usage of a mask or facial covering to conceal one's identity within Nassau County. Exceptions to the bill are granted for individuals with health concerns or religious obligations. The bill seeks to eliminate anti-Semitism and hate crimes in the county that occur during protests. Violation of the act results in a misdemeanor charge of up to $1,000 USD, imprisonment for up to a year, or both.{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wearing-masks-public-now-illegal-nassau-county-new/story?id=112652433|title=Wearing masks in public is now illegal in this New York county, with exceptions|first=Leah|last=Sarnoff|date=7 August 2024|access-date=August 15, 2024|archive-date=August 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815203141/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wearing-masks-public-now-illegal-nassau-county-new/story?id=112652433|url-status=live}} The first arrest under this law involved a teenager, Wesslin Omar Ramirez Castillo, who was found carrying a knife and wearing a ski mask. A lawsuit challenging the law was dismissed in September 2024, upholding the ban’s enforcement.{{Cite web |last=Stallone |first=Michael |date=2024-08-28 |title=Nassau County mask ban: Teen arrested with knife is first violation under new law |url=https://www.fox5ny.com/news/nassau-county-mask-law-police-first-arrest |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=FOX 5 NY |language=en-US |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910053858/https://www.fox5ny.com/news/nassau-county-mask-law-police-first-arrest |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Nassau County executive signs mask ban into law, effective immediately |url=https://longisland.news12.com/nassau-county-executive-to-sign-mask-ban-into-law-set-to-become-effective-immediately |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=News 12 - Default |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815110219/https://longisland.news12.com/nassau-county-executive-to-sign-mask-ban-into-law-set-to-become-effective-immediately |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-26 |title=Federal lawsuit challenging mask ban in suburban New York county dismissed |url=https://apnews.com/article/mask-ban-long-island-new-york-78dc727b3fe212014ef4371f3ad07417 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926163210/https://apnews.com/article/mask-ban-long-island-new-york-78dc727b3fe212014ef4371f3ad07417 |url-status=live }}

In March 2024, Blakeman attended the wake of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller alongside Donald Trump and Eric Adams in Massapequa.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-28 |title=Hundreds mourn fallen NYPD officer Jonathan Diller at Long Island wake |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nypd-wake-jonathan-diller-officer-shot-trump/5268339/?os=wtmbtqtajk9s&ref=app |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=NBC New York |language=en-US}}

Blakeman held and attended a rally for Trump at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale during September 2024, prior to the elections in November.{{Cite web |last1=Gusoff |first1=Carolyn |last2=Bauman |first2=Ali |date=2024-09-19 |title=Trump vows at Long Island rally to win deep-blue New York - CBS New York |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/donald-trump-rally-nassau-coliseum-uniondale-long-island/ |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-18 |title=Trump rally in Uniondale, Long Island draws big crowds, tight security |url=https://abc7ny.com/post/donald-trump-rally-tight-security-measures-being-taken-day-nassau-county-event-uniondale/15319335/ |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en}}

On Monday, October 7, 2024, Trump visited the Ohel gravesite in Queens for the first anniversary of the 7 October Hamas-led attack on Israel. Blakeman, Ben Shapiro, Lee Zeldin, and other political figures accompanied Trump.{{cite web | last=Sarisohn | first=Hannah | title=In Oct. 7 remembrance speech, Trump says future of US-Israeli relationship rests on his reelection | website= The Jerusalem Post | date=2024-10-08 | url=https://www.jpost.com/us-elections/article-823677 | access-date=2025-01-04}}

Blakeman married Segal Magori Blakeman in 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/blakeman-s-wife-leaves-county-job-q71356|title=Blakeman's wife leaves county job|date=May 22, 2015|website=Newsday|access-date=May 27, 2023|archive-date=May 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527185616/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/blakeman-s-wife-leaves-county-job-q71356|url-status=live}} He was previously married to Nancy Shevell, who is now married to Paul McCartney of The Beatles. He has one son, Arlen,{{Cite web|url=https://www.closerweekly.com/posts/paul-mccartney-wife-nancy-shevell-vacation-photos/|title=Paul McCartney and Wife Nancy Shevell Enjoy St. Barts Trip: Photos|first=Samantha|last=Agate|date=March 15, 2023|access-date=May 27, 2023|archive-date=May 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527185614/https://www.closerweekly.com/posts/paul-mccartney-wife-nancy-shevell-vacation-photos/|url-status=live}} and two step children, Ariel and Avi. Blakeman is the first Jewish Nassau County Executive. He is a member of the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, a Modern Orthodox synagogue.{{Cite web|last=Kornbluh|first=Jacob|author-link=Jacob Kornbluh|title=Interview with Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County's First Jewish Executive, guided by Orthodox tradition|url=https://forward.com/news/480259/bruce-blakeman-nassau-county-first-jewish-executive-interview/|access-date=2022-02-14|website=The Forward|date=2 January 2022|language=en-US|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215004608/https://forward.com/news/480259/bruce-blakeman-nassau-county-first-jewish-executive-interview/|url-status=live}}

His nephew, NYS Court Officer Tommy Jurgens, was killed in the line of duty on 9/11 while assisting in the evacuation of Tower 2 of the World Trade Center. Blakeman provided a DNA sample to identify his nephew's remains.{{cite web | url=https://www.newsday.com/news/in-cedarhurst-pol-shares-9-11-luck-sorrow-l74827 | title=In Cedarhurst, pol shares 9/11 luck, sorrow | date=September 11, 2011 | access-date=July 21, 2022 | archive-date=April 5, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405155350/https://www.newsday.com/news/in-cedarhurst-pol-shares-9-11-luck-sorrow-l74827 | url-status=live }}

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Category:1955 births

Category:20th-century New York (state) politicians

Category:21st-century New York (state) politicians

Category:Jewish American people in New York (state) politics

Category:Living people

Category:Nassau County executives

Category:New York (state) Republicans

Category:People from North Woodmere, New York

Category:Valley Stream Central High School alumni