Democratic Governors PAC raises $4.34 million for Hochul as campaign ads target Blakeman

A Democratic Governors Association‑backed super PAC announced Wednesday that it has raised $4.34 million to support New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 reelection campaign.

The money will be used to launch television advertisements aimed at Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, emphasizing his connections to former President Donald Trump. The ads are slated to run this weekend, including a 30‑second spot scheduled for the Buffalo Bills‑New England Patriots broadcast, where a narrator declares, “When Trump says ‘jump,’ Bruce shakes his pom‑poms.”

Hochul’s campaign already enjoys a sizable financial advantage. Between her own campaign account and the state Democratic Party’s account, she has reported roughly $33 million on hand, according to filings earlier this year.

State political analysts note that New York’s voter registration heavily favors Democrats, with six million registered Democrats compared with 2.8 million Republicans. No GOP candidate has won a statewide race since Governor George Pataki’s 2022 victory.

The super PAC’s fundraising surge reflects a broader strategy to create a buffer between Hochul and her opponent, allowing the campaign to shape the narrative without directly bearing the cost of every ad. Organizers say the effort is intended to give Hochul a strong mandate to push back against more radical elements within her own party and to counteract what they describe as a “toxic environment” for incumbents.

Blakeman’s campaign has not yet released its latest fundraising numbers, which are due later this week. The upcoming ads are expected to intensify the campaign’s final stretch as both sides vie for undecided voters ahead of the November 3 election.