Democratic donor to host fundraiser for NY GOP candidate Bruce Blakeman

Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg, a prominent Democratic donor and philanthropist, has confirmed she will host a fundraiser for Republican New York gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman. Lautenberg, the widow of the late New Jersey Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg, has a history of significant contributions to Democratic causes, including campaigns for Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, and various Democratic state committees.

Lautenberg previously contributed $1,000 to the re-election campaign of Democratic incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul in July 2025. Regarding the fundraiser for Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, Lautenberg described him as a “longtime friend and neighbor” and a “great guy,” but declined to provide further details on the event.