# New York gubernatorial election > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-gubernatorial-election > Updated: 2026-08-25T01:29:06.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 4. The New York gubernatorial race between Republican Bruce Blakeman and Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul continues to tighten. Recent Siena College polling shows Hochul leading 49% to 39%, a significant decline from her 20-point advantage in June. Blakeman, the Nassau County Executive, has centered his platform on tax relief, lower utility costs, and public safety. He has received a “Complete and Total Endorsement” from former President Donald Trump. To bolster his efforts, a new independent expenditure Super PAC, Defend Empire State, has been formed by Trump ally Jason Meister. The group aims to raise millions to unseat Hochul, focusing on her relationship with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, which Meister characterized as enabling the “radical Marxist, Jihadi wing of the Democratic Party.” While the Republican side gains momentum, the Hochul campaign and state Democrats maintain a substantial fundraising advantage, holding approximately $40 million in available cash. In response to the narrowing gap, Hochul has launched a multi-million-dollar advertising campaign. One advertisement highlights her record on middle-class tax cuts and utility oversight, while another attempts to tie Blakeman to Donald Trump, labeling him “100% MAGA.” Blakeman’s campaign pollster, John McLaughlin, characterized these ads as a sign that the incumbent is concerned about her polling numbers. Controversy persists regarding Blakeman’s use of AI-generated political advertisements. Democratic State Chairman Jay Jacobs filed a formal complaint with the Board of Elections, alleging the campaign failed to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in ads depicting fabricated scenarios. Blakeman has dismissed these complaints, stating the ads' effectiveness proves they resonate with voters. ## Claims - The Defend Empire State PAC will launch an aggressive campaign against Governor Kathy Hochul. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Defend Empire State PAC supports Republican Bruce Blakeman in the New York gubernatorial race. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Defend Empire State is an independent expenditure Super PAC capable of raising unlimited funds. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Bill Ackman and Joseph Gebbia each contributed $1 million to Meister’s previous Defend NYC PAC. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The PAC intends to highlight Governor Hochul’s ties to Zohran Mamdani. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Hochul campaign and state Democratic Party hold a nearly 4-to-1 cash advantage over Blakeman and New York Republicans. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Defend Empire State PAC backs Bruce Blakeman for NY Governor A new Super PAC, Defend Empire State, has launched to support Republican Bruce Blakeman in New York’s gubernatorial race, pledging millions to defeat Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/defend-empire-state-pac-backs-bruce-blakeman-for-ny-governor ### 2026-08-20: Kathy Hochul launches ad campaign targeting Bruce Blakeman New York Governor Kathy Hochul launched a multi-million-dollar ad campaign tying Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman to Donald Trump following polls showing Blakeman closing the gap in the race. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kathy-hochul-launches-ad-campaign-targeting-bruce-blakeman ### 2026-08-12: Bruce Blakeman narrows Kathy Hochul's lead in NY governor race Republican Bruce Blakeman is narrowing Governor Kathy Hochul’s lead in the New York gubernatorial race, bolstered by a Donald Trump endorsement and a tightening Siena College poll. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bruce-blakeman-narrows-hochul-lead-amid-ai-ad-controversy ### 2026-08-10: Bruce Blakeman criticizes Kathy Hochul in NY gubernatorial race GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman accused Governor Kathy Hochul of dodging debates and criticized her handling of a luxury second-home tax recently paused by a judge. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bruce-blakeman-criticizes-kathy-hochul-in-ny-gubernatorial-race --- Cite as: New York gubernatorial election. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-gubernatorial-election