New York state’s top business group declined to endorse a candidate in the governor’s race — after backing Democrat Kathy Hochul in 2022, The Post has learned.
The Business Council of New York State Inc. insisted its decision was not a snub of Hochul, who is seeking a second, four-year term in next week’s election.
“The Business Council’s PAC decided after the last election cycle that it would no longer endorse in statewide races. That decision was made in accordance with best practices of other organizations and associations across the State of New York and the entire nation,” said spokesman Steve Smith.
“Our members recognize that Governor Hochul has been a strong partner of The Business Council and the business community,” Smith said in a statement. “They’re grateful for her willingness to listen to concerns and also appreciate her attending our Annual Meeting to speak to New York business leaders just a few weeks ago.”
The statement did not mention Republican candidate for governor Bruce Blakeman.
Hochul made some pro-business policy moves this year, such as tort reform to rein in auto insurance costs.
But she also authored the controversial new pied-a-terre property tax on second homes in New York City.
Hochul, who was lieutenant governor, became governor in August 2021 after ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo stepped down, and she won her first full four-year term the following year.
In its 2022 endorsement, Business Council President and CEO Heather Briccetti Mulligan said that Hochul had worked with the group “on major economic & climate issues going back to her time in office as Lieutenant Governor.”
“We have a strong relationship with the governor’s office which has made itself accessible and open to listening to the needs of the business community,” Mulligan said at the time.
“As we move forward in an ever-changing economy, it’s important that business advocacy groups can work with a governor who is willing to have open discussions on key economic policies that will impact the state’s private-sector employers and working families.”
Other business advocacy groups have not endorsed in the November 3 governor’s race either, including the Partnership for the City of New York and the National Federation of Independent Business’ New York chapter.
Hochul has received hefty donations from governing members of the Real Estate Board of New York including Rob Speyer, president and CEO of Tishman Speyer who is also co-chairman of the Partnership for the City of New York.
