Dec. 9 (UPI) -- A Republican county executive from Nassau County announced his bid for governor of New York Tuesday.

Mr. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, faces a bitter Republican primary showdown with Representative Elise Stefanik. The winner will likely face Gov. Kathy Hochul in the fall.

Bruce Blakeman, a Republican county official in New York City’s Long Island suburbs, is expected to launch a campaign for New York governor on Tuesday, according to a person with knowledge of his plans.