The New York State Republican Party officially launched its nominating convention Monday at the Garden City Hotel, with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman poised to receive the party’s gubernatorial nomination. The three-day convention is expected to culminate Wednesday with Blakeman formally named the Republican nominee for governor. Supporters filled the venue for a kickoff rally, signaling strong backing for the Nassau County executive as Republicans look to reclaim the governor’s office for the first time in two decades.

Blakeman also revealed his choice for lieutenant governor, announcing Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as his running mate. Hood became Blakeman’s pick after another upstate sheriff, Richard Giardino, declined an earlier invitation to join the ticket. If elected, Blakeman has pledged to prioritize public safety and address New York’s high cost of living — issues his campaign says resonate with voters across the state. New York has not elected a Republican governor since George Pataki left office in 2006.