A Super PAC funded by Knicks owner James Dolan has launched a new advertisement targeting New York Governor Kathy Hochul, aiming to bolster Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman.
The 30-second spot, titled “Get Outta Town,” is being aired on digital and streaming platforms for several weeks with a budget exceeding $1 million. The ad features clips of Hochul making statements about New Yorkers leaving the state and suggesting they go to Florida. It then contrasts these remarks with Blakeman's platform, which the ad states would lower taxes and make New York more affordable.
The “Strong and Safe New York” Super PAC, which is backing Blakeman, is currently the leading advocacy group financially supporting his campaign. According to recent filings, Hochul's re-election campaign, “Friends for Kathy Hochul,” has approximately $21 million on hand, with an additional $22 million in the state Democratic Party's account. In comparison, Blakeman's campaign and allied Republican groups have raised about $11 million.
Last month, Strong and Safe New York released a poll suggesting Blakeman trailed Hochul by 4 percentage points, with 10% of voters undecided. However, independent polls, such as those conducted by Siena College, indicate Hochul holds a double-digit lead.
Democrats hold a more than 2-to-1 numerical advantage over Republicans in New York State, according to Board of Elections enrollment figures, with more unaffiliated voters than registered Republicans.
Earlier this year, Hochul authorized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to implement a pied-à-terre property tax surcharge on high-value homes and residences not considered primary homes. Hochul stated that she did not enact the income or corporate tax increases that Mamdani had sought.
Bruce Blakeman currently serves as the Nassau County executive.
Hochul's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.