James Dolan-Backed Super PAC Contributes $3 Million to GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Blakeman
MSG and Sphere Entertainment Group funding boost Republican Bruce Blakeman ahead of debate with Governor Kathy Hochul.
A Super PAC supporting Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has received $3 million in contributions from entities tied to James Dolan, owner of the New York Knicks and MSG Entertainment. The funding was deposited into the Strong and Safe New York Inc. PAC just hours before Blakeman was scheduled to debate incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday night.
Records filed with the state Board of Elections indicate two $1 million transfers from MSG Sports and an additional $1 million from Sphere Entertainment Group, a Dolan-run company. Dolan has emerged as a significant backer of Blakeman among business leaders, according to reports.
Dolan has reportedly stepped in to support Blakeman and other candidates he deems "pro-business and common sense" due to a perceived lack of engagement from other corporate leaders in the current election cycle. Historically, figures like Ronald Lauder, an heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics fortune, have provided financial support to Republican candidates, but Lauder has not been active in this election cycle.
Dolan has publicly called on leaders of the influential business group Partnership for the City of New York to advocate for Blakeman or, at minimum, promote a lower-tax, pro-growth agenda. Some members of the Partnership are reportedly supporting Governor Hochul's reelection bid.
