James Dolan, owner of the New York Knicks and CEO of Madison Square Garden Sports, has transitioned his financial support from Governor Kathy Hochul to Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for New York governor. According to a report from Politico, Dolan and his family have contributed approximately $1.4 million to Blakeman's campaign, marking a significant shift from his previous support for Hochul's 2022 campaign.
A spokesperson for MSG Entertainment stated that the company supports candidates who aim to assist all New Yorkers, emphasizing the need for economic improvement. Dolan has a longstanding relationship with Donald Trump, having previously supported his political campaigns and allowing Trump to hold a rally at Madison Square Garden.
While Dolan has historically donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, a Hochul ally noted that many prominent business leaders in New York support the current governor. Hochul's campaign highlighted its broad base of support, mentioning that New Yorkers from all counties have contributed to her campaign.
The upcoming election will see Hochul and Blakeman compete in November, with recent polls indicating Hochul holds a significant lead. The Cook Political Report categorizes the race as a solid Democratic seat.