A divided New York State Public Campaign Finance Board voted 4-3 along party lines to deny Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman public matching funds, a decision his campaign and allies are calling politically motivated as the 2026 race intensifies.
Blakeman’s campaign sharply criticized the ruling, pointing to what it described as partisan interference. “With the race tightening and her poll numbers sagging, it’s no surprise Gov. Kathy Hochul’s handpicked appointee would vote to take away funds from Bruce Blakeman’s campaign,” said spokesperson Madison Spanodemos. “While it reeks of corruption, no money in the world can hide Kathy Hochul’s record of driving up taxes, rent, utility bills, and insurance premiums.”
The denial stems from a filing issue related to updated joint-ticket requirements for governor and lieutenant governor candidates. Democrats on the board argued the rules were clear and must be enforced, while Republicans and outside watchdogs said the error was technical and should have been corrected.
The financial stakes are significant. Reports indicate Blakeman could lose access to between roughly $4.3 million and as much as $7 million in public matching funds if his legal challenge fails—money that could have substantially narrowed his fundraising gap with Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has amassed a campaign war chest exceeding $20 million.
Gerry Kassar, chair of the New York State Conservative Party, called the board’s action “pure political weaponization,” adding, “A 4-3 partisan vote to deny matching funds to a Republican gubernatorial candidate tells you everything you need to know about how Democrat Kathy Hochul intends to run this race.” He said the campaign plans to appeal the decision.
Outside voices have also raised concerns about the implications for public trust. Advocacy group Citizens Union warned that a party-line vote “risks undermining that trust,” while Reinvent Albany said denying funds over an “easily correctible filing error” could appear “small-minded and highly partisan.”
Blakeman has retained legal counsel to explore next steps, signaling a likely court challenge. “This ministerial action must be overturned,” Kassar said. “The Blakeman campaign will appeal, and it will prevail.”