Hochul Dismisses FBI Probe Into Long Island Dem Chair as 'Political Hit Job'

Gov. Kathy Hochul has characterized a federal investigation into a Long Island Democratic Party boss, accused of attempting to buy votes, as a “political hit job.”

Speaking to reporters in Midtown Manhattan on Friday, Hochul defended Suffolk County Democratic Party Chairman Rich Schaffer, who is reportedly being probed by the FBI for alleged strong-arm tactics to secure his reelection. The Post reported on the investigation after Schaffer faced accusations from fellow Democrats.

“Anything coming out of the Trump administration days before an election… is calculated as a political hit job,” Hochul stated, despite the allegations against Schaffer originating from within his own party.

Hochul added, “I don’t believe you can presume what the feds are alleging is true — you need to know the context of who’s doing it, [and] what their record is of using their investigatory powers to harass political opponents.” Although the governor acknowledged she lacked specific details of the allegations against Schaffer, she expressed that a “cloud” hangs over the investigation.

When questioned about the appropriateness of Schaffer's alleged behavior for an elected official, Hochul stated she would await the investigation’s findings before making a judgment.

Reactions to Hochul's remarks within the Democratic party were divided. Some officials expressed disappointment with the governor's framing of the investigation. Others defended her, suggesting she had not yet been fully briefed on the matter.

“It was clear that she was caught off guard and hasn’t been briefed on the matter,” said Leigh-Ann Bard, a former ally of Schaffer and a whistleblower in the case. “I have full faith in [Attorney General Letitia James’] office and the FBI doing their due diligence.”

Schaffer, who has led the Suffolk County Democratic Party for over 26 years, was reelected to his position last month. The accusations against him include allegedly threatening party members and offering financial incentives to secure votes.

Multiple Democrats and former Schaffer allies reportedly came forward days before the election, detailing allegations of a “Mafia-style pressure campaign.” Reports also suggest Schaffer engaged in backdoor deals with the local Republican party to prevent Democratic candidates from appearing on the county ballot, thereby allowing Republicans to run unopposed.

Schaffer has been accused of threatening committee members with job loss from party-controlled positions and offering cash to those who would support him over his challenger, Kathryn Casey Quigley, in what was described as the party’s first significant internal contest in nearly three decades.

In early October, sources indicated that federal and state agents had interviewed individuals regarding the situation. The FBI has declined to confirm or deny an investigation into Schaffer. However, The Post verified that federal investigators sent secure invitations for virtual interviews, with subject lines pertaining to the county's Democratic Party boss.

Schaffer has denied all allegations, describing them as “baseless.”