Democratic Governors Association Super PAC Pours $4.3 Million Into Hochul's Re-election Bid
The PAC has also launched new attack ads targeting Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.
A Super PAC backed by the Democratic Governors Association has injected more than $4 million into Governor Kathy Hochul’s re-election campaign, according to recent state campaign filings. The group, Greater Empire State, reported receiving $4.34 million in donations between late July and early October.
The PAC has also begun releasing advertisements critical of Hochul’s Republican opponent, Bruce Blakeman. The ads refer to Blakeman as “MAGA Bruce Blakeman” and accuse him of supporting "Donald Trump’s cost-raising agenda that is hurting New York."
Major contributions to Greater Empire State include $1 million each from 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 political strategist Jay Martin. The Sports Betting Alliance, an organization advocating for online gambling interests, and Hess Corporation CEO John B. Hess each contributed $600,000.
During a recent debate, Hochul mentioned Donald Trump approximately 20 times, attempting to connect Blakeman to the former president’s perceived unpopularity in New York. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, stated that while he and Trump are friends, their relationship would not impact his decision-making if elected governor.
A spokeswoman for Blakeman criticized the influx of funds for Hochul, asserting it demonstrates the Democratic Party's desperation and that voters are ready to reject Hochul due to high taxes and utility costs.
However, a spokesperson for the Super PAC expressed confidence in Hochul’s re-election prospects, predicting that her campaign could help other Democrats win down-ballot races. The PAC representative also characterized Blakeman's campaign as struggling with polling and fundraising, and possessing an "extreme pro-Trump message that couldn’t be more out of touch with New Yorkers."
Earlier in October, the Hochul campaign received $10 million from the state Democratic Committee. A recent Pollfinity survey indicated that Blakeman had narrowed the gap with Hochul to 3 percentage points.