Kathy Hochul holds significant funding advantage over Bruce Blakeman

New York Governor Kathy Hochul holds a significant financial advantage over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman as the gubernatorial election enters its final month. According to campaign-finance reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections, Hochul has $18.5 million in her campaign account, while Blakeman has $178,000 remaining.

Since July, the two candidates have raised and spent more than $20 million, largely on television and online advertising. Hochul raised $12.8 million over the summer, supported by a $10 million transfer from the New York State Democratic Committee. Her total spending since July reached $14.8 million, with $7.1 million dedicated to television ads and $3.3 million to online advertisements. Hochul has declined to participate in the state's public matching funds program.

Blakeman raised approximately $6 million during the same period but spent $10 million. His campaign received $300,000 from the GOP state committee and $1.6 million from the Nassau County GOP Committee. He also received $2.3 million in public matching funds through the state's program, which is available to gubernatorial candidates for the first time this year. Blakeman remains eligible for up to $3.5 million in additional matching funds.