Companies tied to New York Knicks owner James Dolan have contributed another $3 million to a super PAC backing Republican Bruce Blakeman in his challenge to Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y.
Filings with the State Board of Elections listed three donations to Strong and Safe New York Inc. made just hours before Tuesday’s debate. MSG Entertainment, MSG Sports and Sphere Entertainment Group LLC each gave the PAC $1 million.
Dolan has become one of Blakeman’s most prominent business-world backers. According to the New York Post, he entered the race to support candidates he views as “pro-business and common sense,” arguing that other corporate leaders had not done enough during this election cycle.
Dolan has also faulted the Partnership for New York City for refusing to endorse Blakeman or more aggressively advocate for lower taxes and economic expansion. The organization told the Post that it is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates, although some of its members support Hochul.
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Strong and Safe New York had already rolled out billboards supporting Blakeman on routes leading out of the city. In September, spokesman Chapin Fay told Spectrum News that the group had collected more than $5 million from donors worried about New York’s rising cost of living.
Dolan’s backing of Blakeman also drew reactions from users on social media.
The new donations arrived ahead of Blakeman and Hochul’s only scheduled debate before the November 3 election. The candidates sparred over utility costs, crime and immigration enforcement, with Blakeman blaming Hochul’s policies for higher expenses and public safety concerns. Hochul defended her record while attacking Blakeman over his connections to President Donald Trump.
