Robert Blakeman, the Republican candidate for New York governor, advocated last November for a perimeter of advanced surveillance technology—including license plate readers and biometric scanners—separating New York City from its suburban areas. Since then, he has secured millions in campaign support from James Dolan, the owner of Madison Square Garden, a venue known for its extensive facial recognition systems and aggressive corporate security measures.
Dolan’s financial backing of the Nassau County executive represents a significant investment in a state dominated by Democratic leadership and amid polling data suggesting a potential surge for Democrats in the current election cycle. Blakeman trails Governor Kathy Hochul by double digits in most surveys, yet his alignment with Trump and his support for artificial intelligence deepfakes, data centers, ICE, and private militias appear to resonate with the Trump-aligned businessman.
This pivot follows a previous endorsement from Dolan during the last election cycle, when he supported Hochul. Political analysts suggest that regardless of the outcome, Dolan’s substantial expenditures could solidify his influence within New York’s Republican party. “Dolan can step into the breach and become the biggest player in New York’s Republican politics, donor-wise,” a veteran strategist told WIRED.
While Dolan previously contributed nearly $1 million to Donald Trump’s 2020 reelection effort and the Republican National Committee, database reviews indicate a new scale of involvement in the gubernatorial race. The Dolan family has donated $108,000 directly to Blakeman’s campaign and $970,000 to the local Nassau County Republican committee, which has since become the candidate’s largest financial backer.
Additionally, entities associated with Madison Square Garden have contributed $2 million to Strong and Safe New York Inc., a super PAC supporting Blakeman. The PAC, which lists MSG’s top government relations executive as an officer, has raised a total of $5.3 million. These funds have been critical in offsetting a nine-to-one cash deficit that Hochul’s campaign reported over her challenger as of the July filing deadline.
This campaign spend is huge, but he’s still down double digits in polls. Do voters really want this level of monitoring?
So a billionaire with a surveillance-state obsession is bankrolling the guy who wants facial recognition at every border? Classic.
Wait, didn’t Dolan just endorse Hochul last cycle? Talk about a dramatic political pivot to back a losing candidate.