A Democratic Governors Association-backed Super PAC is pouring more than $4 million into boosting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s re-election bid as she desperately tries to fend off Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman in the tight race.
Greater Empire State — which began releasing anti-Blakeman attack ads Saturday — reported receiving $4.34 million in donations between late July and Oct. 2 to hype Hochul, according to its latest state campaign filings.
A big chunk of the money came from former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg; the Greater New York Hospital Association Management Corp.; and Leadership for New York, a super PAC run by Jay Martin, a political strategist and former executive director at the New York Apartment Association.
Each gave $1 million.
Other donations include $600,000 from the Sports Betting Alliance, which pushes online gambling interests, and John B. Hess, chief executive officer of Hess Corporation.
The Super PAC on Saturday released its first two ads of the general election, slamming “MAGA Bruce Blakeman” for his support of “Donald Trump’s cost-raising agenda that is hurting New York.”
Hochul said Trump’s name roughly 20 times during Tuesday’s debate as she’s tried to link his unpopularity in Democratic New York State – especially NYC — to Blakeman. However, the Nassau County executive said that although he and the president are friends the relationship won’t influence his decision-making if elected governor.
Blakeman spokeswoman Madison Spanodemos said the late cash infusion for Hochul shows just how desperate Dems are.
“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.”
However, Kevin Donohue, a spokesman for the super PAC insisted Hochul “is in a commanding position to win re-election, “adding “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 said Blakeman narrowed the gap behind Hochul to just 3 points, but another official for the PAC claimed “they are not worried about this race.”
Hochul’s campaign declined comment.
The Hochul campaign last month was bolstered by $10 million from the state Democratic Committee.
