Billionaire Emerges As New York’s Largest GOP Donor After Previously Backing Dems

One of New York’s most powerful business and entertainment figures is pouring substantial financial support into Republican Bruce Blakeman’s campaign to defeat Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Madison Square Garden executive chairman James Dolan, his family and affiliated businesses have contributed approximately $1.4 million this year to committees supporting Blakeman, according to campaign-finance reporting.

The contributions make Dolan one of New York’s largest Republican benefactors during the current election cycle and represent a striking political shift for a businessman who previously supported Hochul and former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Dolan’s support could influence more than the governor’s race. Republicans believe a competitive statewide campaign could increase GOP turnout in several closely divided congressional districts and help the party maintain control of the House.

New York played a decisive role in the 2022 midterms. Republican gubernatorial nominee Lee Zeldin lost statewide but ran a surprisingly competitive race against Hochul, helping drive turnout that coincided with several critical Republican congressional victories.

Those gains ultimately helped Republicans secure their narrow House majority.

The GOP hopes Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, can produce a similar down-ballot effect in November.

Blakeman currently trails Hochul, but the race has tightened substantially.

An August Siena University poll of 811 likely voters found Hochul leading 49 percent to 39 percent. Her advantage had fallen from the 20-point lead she held among registered voters in June.

The same poll found Blakeman leading Hochul by eight points in New York’s downstate suburbs, 49 percent to 41 percent. Independent voters also favored Blakeman by five points.

Hochul’s strongest support came from New York City, where she led 64 percent to 19 percent. Siena Research Institute

Dolan’s financial backing is especially valuable because billionaire cosmetics heir Ronald Lauder has reportedly stopped making political contributions after years as one of the state Republican Party’s most important donors.

Lauder contributed more than $11 million to groups supporting Zeldin’s 2022 gubernatorial campaign. His absence left New York Republicans searching for another wealthy donor capable of supporting a serious statewide operation.

Dolan now appears to be filling at least part of that void.

In addition to the contributions made by Dolan and his relatives, approximately $2 million has gone to Madison Square Garden’s super PAC. That organization previously supported centrist Democrats, including Hochul, but has also transferred money to another super PAC now airing advertisements supporting Blakeman.

A spokesperson for Madison Square Garden Entertainment said the company supports candidates who want to improve conditions for all New Yorkers, arguing that goal cannot be accomplished while the state’s economy is failing.

Blakeman suggested Dolan is one of many former Hochul supporters who have become disillusioned with her record.

“There’s a lot of people that supported Kathy Hochul four years ago that are incredibly disappointed in the way she’s managed the state,” Blakeman said.

Dolan’s relationship with President Donald Trump adds another dimension to his political realignment.

Trump and Blakeman joined Dolan in his Madison Square Garden suite during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The president sat beside Dolan during part of the game and was seen speaking with Blakeman and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. City & State New York

Dolan is also expected to accompany the championship-winning New York Knicks during a future visit to the White House.

At the same time, Madison Square Garden has major business interests affected by government decisions.

The Trump administration is supporting an approximately $8 billion redevelopment of Penn Station that would allow Madison Square Garden to remain at its longtime location above the transportation hub.

Dolan met with Trump at the White House earlier this year alongside real estate developer Steven Roth. Trump subsequently backed a renovation proposal that would rebuild Penn Station without forcing the Garden to relocate.

Dolan’s support for Republicans is not politically risk-free.

Madison Square Garden benefits from a longstanding state property-tax exemption estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars annually. Democratic lawmakers have repeatedly proposed eliminating that exemption.

The company’s use of facial-recognition technology has also attracted scrutiny from Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James and other state officials.

Those disputes create potential pressure points if Dolan continues directing money toward Republicans attempting to remove Hochul and weaken Democratic control in Albany.

For Republicans, however, his emergence comes at an ideal moment.

Blakeman still faces a difficult race in a state that has not elected a Republican governor since George Pataki won his third term in 2002. But Hochul remains below 50 percent in the Siena poll, Blakeman is performing strongly in the suburbs and several outside groups are preparing to spend heavily on his behalf.

Even if Blakeman falls short statewide, a strong Republican showing could help protect GOP-held congressional seats in suburban New York.

That could make Dolan’s political shift consequential not only for Hochul’s future but also for the national battle over control of the House.