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Defend Empire State PAC backs Bruce Blakeman for NY Governor
A new independent expenditure Super PAC, Defend Empire State, has been formed to support Republican Bruce Blakeman in the New York gubernatorial race. Founded by Jason Meister, a Trump ally and risk insurance specialist, the group aims to raise millions of dollars to unseat Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.
Meister stated the campaign will focus on Hochul’s relationship with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, which he characterized as an enablement of the “radical Marxist, Jihadi wing of the Democratic Party.” Meister, who previously ran the Defend NYC PAC, noted that the race carries national implications regarding political ideologies.
As a Super PAC, Defend Empire State can accept unlimited donations. Previous campaign finance records for Meister’s former PAC showed significant support from high-profile donors, including Bill Ackman and Joseph Gebbia, who each contributed $1 million. Currently, the Hochul campaign and the state Democratic Party maintain a substantial fundraising advantage, holding approximately $40 million in available cash compared to the Republican side.
Entities
Bruce Blakeman · Defend Empire State · Jason Meister · Kathy Hochul · Zohran Mamdani
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Defend Empire State is an independent expenditure Super PAC capable of raising unlimited funds. internewscast.com · vinnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Hochul campaign and state Democratic Party hold a nearly 4-to-1 cash advantage over Blakeman and New York Republicans. vinnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Defend Empire State PAC will launch an aggressive campaign against Governor Kathy Hochul. internewscast.com · vinnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The PAC intends to highlight Governor Hochul’s ties to Zohran Mamdani. internewscast.com · vinnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Defend Empire State PAC supports Republican Bruce Blakeman in the New York gubernatorial race. internewscast.com · vinnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Bill Ackman and Joseph Gebbia each contributed $1 million to Meister’s previous Defend NYC PAC. internewscast.com · vinnews.com