Gov. Kathy Hochul’s campaign encouraged refunded donors to give to the state Democratic Party, which transferred $10 million to her campaign in September, according to New York Focus.
The outlet’s review of public disclosures identified 363 instances totaling $2.6 million between June and September in which donors received campaign refunds and gave identical amounts to the party within three days.
Hochul had to return contributions exceeding the $9,000 general-election limit after her June primary was canceled, while party committees can accept larger donations and transfer unlimited amounts to candidates.
Campaign spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki said donors were offered forms to redirect refunds to the party to support Democratic candidates at all levels.
Blair Horner of the New York Public Interest Research Group criticized the arrangement but said it is legal if donors were told they were supporting the party rather than indirectly contributing to Hochul.
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