A Democratic Governors Association-backed super PAC is spending more than $4 million to support Gov. Kathy Hochul’s re-election campaign as she works to hold off Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman in a closely contested race.
Greater Empire State, which began airing attack ads against Blakeman on Saturday, reported raising $4.34 million between late July and Oct. 2 to promote Hochul, according to its latest state campaign filings.
Among the biggest contributors were former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Greater New York Hospital Association Management Corp. and Leadership for New York, a super PAC operated by political strategist Jay Martin, a former executive director of the New York Apartment Association.
Each donor contributed $1 million.
The PAC also received $600,000 from the Sports Betting Alliance, which advocates for online gambling interests, as well as a contribution from John B. Hess, the chief executive officer of Hess Corporation.
On Saturday, the super PAC released its first two general-election ads, attacking “MAGA Bruce Blakeman” over his support for “Donald Trump’s cost-raising agenda that is hurting New York.”
Hochul mentioned Trump about 20 times during Tuesday’s debate as she sought to connect Blakeman to the president, whose standing remains unpopular among New York Democrats, particularly in New York City. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, said he and Trump are friends but insisted that relationship would not affect his decisions if he were elected governor.
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Blakeman spokeswoman Madison Spanodemos said the latest influx of money for Hochul reflected the Democrats’ desperation.
“The entire nation now realizes that New Yorkers are ready to fire the worst governor in America for her high taxes and soaring electric bills,” she said.
“Kathy Hochul can spend millions trying to cover for her failed record, but money can’t overshadow the highest taxes and utility bills in the nation created on Hochul’s watch.”
Kevin Donohue, a spokesman for the super PAC, disputed that assessment, saying Hochul “is in a commanding position to win re-election” and that “her coattails will help Democrats win big down-ballot.”
“In stark contrast, Bruce Blakeman’s MAGA campaign is struggling with weak polling and fundraising — and an extreme pro-Trump message that couldn’t be more out of touch with New Yorkers,” he added.
A Pollfinity survey released Tuesday showed Blakeman cutting Hochul’s lead to three points. Still, another PAC official said the group was not concerned about the governor’s race.
Hochul’s campaign declined to comment.
The Hochul campaign received an additional boost last month when the state Democratic Committee provided $10 million.
