Gov. Kathy Hochul’s campaign and the New York State Democratic Party reported a combined $33.5 million in cash on hand as New York’s 2026 governor’s race enters its final weeks. They announced the figures on September 29, just over a month before Election Day.
According to a report by City & State New York, Hochul’s campaign raised $2.6 million during the latest filing period. The state Democratic Party raised another $5.9 million. Hochul’s campaign ended the period with $18.5 million, while the state party had $15 million.
Hochul Campaign Reports $8.5 Million in New Fundraising
The $33.5 million comes from two separate groups: Hochul’s campaign and the state Democratic Party. Hochul’s campaign said this was the most money a candidate had held at this point in a New York election cycle. That claim came from the campaign.
Hochul did not join New York’s new public matching funds system. Her Republican opponent, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, did join the program.
Blakeman’s latest fundraising figures were due October 2. They were not available when City & State published its report.
Blakeman reported $4.3 million in cash on hand in his July filing. He later amended that report several times, changing some of his earlier fundraising and spending figures.
What the Numbers Mean for Campaign Finance
Cash on hand shows how much money a campaign has available as Election Day approaches. Candidates also need to understand campaign committees, party organizations and public matching funds.
The figures also show why candidates should separate campaign money from party money. A campaign committee and a political party can work together, but they hold their funds in separate accounts.
For first-time candidates, tracking cash on hand, fundraising totals and filing deadlines can make campaign finances easier to understand. These reports also show voters where a campaign gets its financial support.
The reported $33.5 million gives Hochul’s campaign and the state Democratic Party significant financial resources for the final stretch. For candidates in NYC and across New York, the filing period shows why it is important to track fundraising and campaign finance rules throughout an election.
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Hochul’s campaign reported $18.5 million in cash on hand, while the state Democratic Party reported another $15 million.
No. Hochul did not opt into the state’s new public matching funds system, while Republican opponent Bruce Blakeman did.
