Brief
Democrats spend $4.3 million on super‑PAC ads backing New York Gov. Kathy Hochul
The super‑PAC’s funding, largely from three donors, fuels new ads that portray Blakeman as aligned with former President Donald Trump.
By Felo News Desk · Published
According to legalinsurrection.com, a Democratic Governors Association‑backed super‑PAC has collected $4.34 million for the final weeks of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s reelection campaign. The money is being used for television ads that target Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman over his support for former President Donald Trump.
What happened
The super‑PAC, identified as Greater Empire State, reported contributions received between late July and 2 October. Three donors supplied $3 million of the total: former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Greater New York Hospital Association Management Corp., and Leadership for New York, a super‑PAC headed by Jay Martin. Additional contributions came from the Sports Betting Alliance and John Hess, CEO of Hess Corporation.
What the reports add
Legalinsurrection.com notes that the PAC rolled out two advertisements on Saturday that label Blakeman as a “MAGA” candidate and link him to what the group calls Trump’s “cost‑raising agenda.” The outlet also records that Hochul mentioned Trump about 20 times during a recent debate, a tactic the ads exploit. In contrast, Blakeman’s campaign argues the spending reflects Democratic nervousness about his candidacy.
What was said
Kevin Donohue, speaking for Greater Empire State, said Hochul is “in a commanding position to win re‑election.” The Nassau County executive, Bruce Blakeman, told legalinsurrection.com that he accused Hochul of using Trump to avoid discussing her record, adding, “Donald Trump is my friend. He has supported me, and I have supported him. But the decisions that I make will be decisions made solely in what I feel is in the best interest of New Yorkers.”
How it came about
The influx of money follows a series of campaign developments in New York’s 2026 gubernatorial race, including Hochul’s debate performance and Blakeman’s focus on taxes and electricity costs. The super‑PAC’s fundraising surge mirrors broader Democratic efforts to bolster incumbents in swing states ahead of the November election.
Key facts
- A Democratic Governors Association‑backed super‑PAC raised $4.34 million for Hochul’s campaign (legalinsurrection.com)
- Three donors—Michael Bloomberg, Greater New York Hospital Association Management Corp., and Leadership for New York—contributed $3 million (legalinsurrection.com)
- The PAC released two ads labeling Bruce Blakeman as a “MAGA” candidate (legalinsurrection.com)
Sources
- [1] legalinsurrection.com — originally reported as “Democrats Pour $4.3M Into Kathy Hochul Reelection Fight”
