Hochul to Return $70,000 in Campaign Donations Amid Controversy
Governor Kathy Hochul is set to refund approximately $70,000 after accusations from state committee members regarding unlawful campaign contributions. Her opponent, Elise Stefanik, has criticized these donations, labeling them as “pay-to-play.”
Reports emerged indicating that Hochul’s reelection funding had been bolstered by contributions from at least eight individuals connected to advisory groups and policy-making committees. One local news outlet urged her campaign to acknowledge the error and quickly return the funds.
These donations contravene an executive order that Hochul, a Democrat, reinstated in 2021, which bars state employees and officials—even those in unpaid positions—from donating to gubernatorial campaigns.
This has provided Republicans with an opening to lambaste Hochul’s administration. “The worst governor in America is also the most corrupt,” tweeted Republican Representative Stefanik, who is looking to unseat her next year. She added a biting comment about Hochul being forced to return campaign funds only after media scrutiny.
One notable contributor is Matthew Rand, appointed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo to oversee the state Real Estate Tax Department. Rand began funding Hochul shortly thereafter and was appointed to the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council in June 2022, contributing an additional $15,000 to her campaign.
Another significant donor is Mark Gregorio, the CEO of an elevator firm, TEI. Appointed by Hochul in February 2022 to the Elevator Safety Standards Board, he and his wife have since donated around $63,000 to her campaign.
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who plans to challenge Hochul in the upcoming 2026 primary, expressed his discontent via Twitter, stating, “For too long, New York has been run by deals done behind closed doors.”
Delgado continued, emphasizing that New Yorkers deserve a government that prioritizes transparency and operates openly.
While a spokesperson for Hochul’s campaign confirmed that the funds have been returned, they chose not to provide further commentary.
Despite this scandal, Hochul’s campaign seems financially stable, with over $17 million reported in cash reserves as of July. However, this incident adds to concerns about her departure from earlier promises regarding ethical governance and transparency.
Supporters, including Randi Weingarten, president of a major teachers’ union, have come to Hochul’s defense, asserting that she upholds high ethical standards and is committed to helping families financially.
