Dolan Urges Business Leaders to Back Republican Gubernatorial Candidate

New York Knicks owner James Dolan has publicly called on leaders of the Partnership for the City of New York, a prominent business group, to actively engage in the upcoming gubernatorial election, urging them to support Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman. Dolan expressed concern that the group is not adequately advocating for policies beneficial to the state's economy.

In an email to Rob Speyer, co-chairman of the Partnership, Dolan stated his "growing concern that the Partnership and MSG may be sliding toward different paths as it relates to our respective views on the financial and political challenges we are facing both as a city and a state." He highlighted a "widespread agreement" within the business community that Mayor Zohran Mamdani's tax policies are detrimental to the city's economy.

Dolan specifically criticized the inaction of business leaders in the face of Governor Kathy Hochul's administration, suggesting that the Partnership's leadership is making it easier for the incumbent. "The mayor cannot raise taxes without Governor Hochul’s support," Dolan wrote, emphasizing that the next governor is the "only defense against these harmful policies for the next three years." He pointed to policies such as the pied-à-terre tax and the potential for a wealth tax as examples of detrimental economic approaches.

Dolan is personally backing Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, through the Super PAC Strong and Safe New York, which he is funding with millions of dollars. He believes that a competitive two-party system is crucial for supporting the business community and urged the Partnership to "grow [its] backbone" and advocate for candidates who champion a "lower tax, pro-growth agenda."

He suggested that the Partnership could deploy its own 501(c)(4) advocacy group to support New Yorkers who favor a sensible approach to business policies or, alternatively, direct resources to a similar group controlled by Dolan.

"We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by actively engaging today," Dolan stated, adding that "the stakes are far too high to sit on the sideline." He noted that the election is less than three weeks away, with early voting commencing soon.

In response, Partnership CEO Steve Fulop stated that the organization is "nonpartisan" and does not endorse specific candidates. He confirmed that Governor Hochul had addressed their members earlier in the year and that they intend to extend the same opportunity to Blakeman. "Our focus remains on advocating for policies that strengthen New York’s competitiveness, create jobs, and support economic growth," Fulop said. The Partnership has not yet met with Blakeman.