New York state’s premier business association has chosen to remain neutral in the upcoming gubernatorial election, declining to issue an endorsement after throwing its support behind Democrat Kathy Hochul during her 2002 campaign.
Representatives for The Business Council of New York State Inc. maintained that the absence of an endorsement for Hochul, who is pursuing a second four-year term in the November 3 election, should not be interpreted as a rejection. Steve Smith, a spokesman for the organization, explained that the political action committee opted to step away from statewide endorsements following the conclusion of the previous election cycle.
Smith noted that the shift aligns with operational practices observed across similar trade groups and associations statewide and nationwide. At the same time, the council emphasized its ongoing ties with the administration. Members recognize Governor Hochul as a dedicated partner to the state’s commercial sector, citing her accessibility, her responsiveness to industry concerns, and her appearance at the organization’s annual gathering just weeks prior.
The council’s official statements did not address the campaign of the Republican candidate for governor, Bruce Blakeman.
During the current legislative and policy cycle, Hochul pursued several measures affecting the commercial landscape, including tort reform designed to curb rising auto insurance expenses. Conversely, she also advanced the disputed pied-a-terre property tax targeting second homes located within New York City.
Hochul ascended to the governorship in August 2021 after serving as lieutenant governor following the resignation of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. She secured her first full four-year term in the subsequent 2022 election.
During the 2022 cycle, Business Council President and CEO Heather Briccetti Mulligan praised Hochul for collaborating with the organization on prominent economic and climate matters dating back to her tenure as lieutenant governor. Mulligan highlighted the administration’s accessibility and willingness to engage with private-sector employers and working families.
Other prominent commercial advocacy organizations have likewise refrained from issuing endorsements in the November 3 contest. Among them are the Partnership for the City of New York and the New York chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business.
Despite the council’s decision to forgo a formal endorsement, Hochul has continued to draw substantial financial contributions from leading figures within the real estate sector. Donors include governing members of the Real Estate Board of New York, such as Rob Speyer, who serves as president and CEO of Tishman Speyer and co-chairman of the Partnership for the City of New York.
