NYC real estate leaders pour millions into Governor Hochul's re-election bid
Prominent New York developers and property firms have contributed large sums to Governor Kathy Hochul’s campaign and to state Democratic committees.
A group of high-profile New York real-estate executives has donated substantial amounts to Governor Kathy Hochul’s re-election effort and to the state Democratic Party. Contributions include two $18,000 gifts from Jed Walentas in 2023, a $7,500 donation from Douglas Durst, $18,000 from the LeFrak brothers, $43,000 from the Elghanayan family, $14,500 from Donald Zucker, $18,000 from Larry Silverstein, $42,000 from Marc Holliday, $18,000 from Rob Speyer, $10,000 from Tishman Speyer entities, and $18,000 from Jeff Blau.
A REBNY spokesperson said board members act individually and the organization does not endorse candidates. GOP leaders claim the governor’s pied-a-terre tax, pushed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, hurts the developers who are now supporting her, while Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman has received limited business backing, with James Dolan as a notable exception.
Why it matters
The donations reveal how New York’s powerful real-estate sector seeks influence over state policies that affect their interests.
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