Seneca Nation Members Protest Blakeman Fundraiser

Members of the Seneca Nation protested outside a fundraiser for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino on Oct. 5.

The protest focused on Blakeman’s views on online prediction markets, environmental policy and Native issues. According to a City & State New York report, about a dozen Seneca Nation members took part after casino security stopped them from entering the property.

The protest was organized by Mothers of the Seneca Nation. The group has criticized outgoing Seneca Nation President JC Seneca for supporting Blakeman’s campaign. Members say Blakeman’s policies conflict with key Seneca interests.

Blakeman’s Prediction Market Position Draws Opposition

The strongest criticism focused on Blakeman’s support for online prediction markets. Protest organizer Leslie Logan said Native leaders see these markets as a possible threat to tribal gaming.

That issue is especially important to the Seneca Nation because of its casino business. Protesters also criticized Blakeman’s support for lifting New York’s fracking ban.

They also objected to his opposition to a data center moratorium. Other concerns included his support for allowing public schools to use Native mascots and imagery.

Signs outside the casino accused JC Seneca of supporting Blakeman without representing the views of the wider Seneca community.

The protest does not mean Seneca Nation members support Gov. Kathy Hochul. The Nation has its own history of conflict with the governor, including a 2022 dispute over gaming revenue payments and an unresolved gaming compact with New York state.

Internal Politics Add Another Layer

JC Seneca was elected president of the Seneca Nation in 2024. However, Nation rules prevent presidents from serving consecutive terms. His current term is scheduled to end on Nov. 3.

Seneca Party members selected Tina Abrams over Odie Porter in their caucus. Because the party has no opposition under its rules, Abrams is expected to become the Nation’s first woman president after the Nov. 3 general election.

The dispute has also raised questions about the role of tribal leaders in state political campaigns. Braiden McElhaney, a Seneca Nation member and Erie County Democratic Committee representative, said he supports Seneca sovereignty but disagrees with JC Seneca taking part in partisan campaigning.

What NYC Candidates Can Learn From the Dispute

The controversy offers a useful lesson for candidates running for office in NYC. Political endorsements can create risks when a candidate’s policies affect a specific community’s economic or institutional interests.

Candidates should understand which local groups are affected by major policy issues before seeking their support. In this case, Blakeman’s position on prediction markets became important because of its possible impact on tribal gaming.

The dispute also shows why voter targeting requires more than broad demographic data. Candidates need to understand the priorities of specific communities, organizations and groups within an electorate.

For first-time NYC candidates, the broader lesson is to separate an individual’s endorsement from the views of the wider community they represent. Candidates should consider who actually influences voters and whether an alliance strengthens or complicates their campaign message.

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