A Democratic Governors Association-backed super PAC has injected over $4 million into Governor Kathy Hochul’s re-election campaign as she faces a competitive challenge from Republican Bruce Blakeman in New York’s gubernatorial race. According to recent state campaign filings, Greater Empire State reported receiving $4.34 million in contributions between late July and October 2 to support Hochul and oppose Blakeman.
Significant donations came from high-profile donors including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Greater New York Hospital Association Management Corp., and Leadership for New York—a super PAC led by Jay Martin, a political strategist and former executive director of the New York Apartment Association—all of which contributed $1 million each. Additional funding included $600,000 from the Sports Betting Alliance, an organization advocating for online gambling, and contributions from John B. Hess, chief executive officer of the Hess Corporation.
On Saturday, Greater Empire State released its first two general election advertisements targeting Blakeman. The ads criticized Blakeman’s support for policies associated with former President Donald Trump, accusing him of backing “Trump’s cost-raising agenda that is hurting New York.” Governor Hochul has frequently invoked Trump’s name during the campaign, mentioning him repeatedly during a recent debate as she sought to tie Blakeman to the former president’s unpopularity among New York voters, particularly in New York City.
Blakeman, currently serving as Nassau County executive, acknowledged his friendship with Trump but stated that his relationship with the former president will not affect his governance if elected. The race remains closely watched as both candidates seek to secure votes in a politically diverse state ahead of the upcoming election.