Billionaire Emerges As New York’s Largest GOP Donor After Previously Backing Dems

Lauder contributed more than $11 million to efforts supporting Zeldin’s 2022 campaign, leaving Republicans searching for other major donors capable of helping finance statewide efforts.

Dolan’s political activity includes $2 million contributed to Madison Square Garden’s super PAC, which has previously supported moderate Democrats including Hochul.

That organization has also transferred money to another super PAC originally created to support Rep. Elise Stefanik’s brief gubernatorial campaign and now airing advertisements supporting Blakeman.

A Madison Square Garden Entertainment spokesperson said the company supports candidates interested in helping all New Yorkers and argued that objective cannot be accomplished in a failing economy.

Blakeman suggested Dolan is among former Hochul supporters who have become dissatisfied with the governor’s leadership.

“There’s a lot of people that supported Kathy Hochul four years ago that are incredibly disappointed in the way she’s managed the state,” Blakeman said.

Dolan’s relationship with President Donald Trump adds another dimension to the political story.

Trump and Blakeman recently joined Dolan in his suite during game three of the NBA Finals, and Dolan is expected to bring the championship-winning New York Knicks to the White House.

The Trump administration is also backing an approximately $8 billion redevelopment of Penn Station that would allow Madison Square Garden to remain at its longtime location.