Hochul Amasses Record Campaign War Chest for Gubernatorial Race

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has amassed a record-breaking $33 million in campaign funds ahead of the midterm elections, her campaign announced. The influx of cash includes $8.5 million raised over the summer months, which was split between her campaign and the state Democratic Party's account.

"Governor Hochul’s campaign and the state Democratic Party are headed into the final stretch of this race with unprecedented firepower," Hochul campaign manager Preston Elliott said in a statement. The campaign reported receiving donations from 17,800 individual donors, more than four times the number reported during the same filing period in 2022, when Hochul secured her first full term.

Despite Hochul's significant financial advantage, recent polling suggests her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman, is closing the gap. A Siena University poll released last week indicated Hochul leading Blakeman 50% to 41%. This tighter margin mirrors the 2022 gubernatorial race, where Republican Lee Zeldin trailed Hochul by 17% in polls before narrowing the final vote to 6% on Election Day.

Blakeman, currently the Nassau County executive, has not yet released his latest fundraising figures. Campaign finance reports are due to the state Board of Elections on Friday, with Election Day on November 3.