The re-election campaign of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday it had raised $4.5 million over the prior six months, rebuilding a campaign arm after she won a full term in 2022.
Hochul all told has $4.3 million in the bank. Hochul's campaign also reported the state Democratic Committee raised $1.5 million during the January to July reporting period.
“I am grateful for the outpouring of support that we have received in our first full term as governor," Hochul said. "We are working hard to make New York a place where families are safe and secure, where small businesses and workers are protected, and where our children can grow and thrive. Clearly, we have overwhelming support for that vision."
Hochul last year defeated Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin in one of the closest gubernatorial elections in the last 20 years in New York.
While Hochul's fundraising total is smaller than prior governors during similar off-cycle periods, the money was raised under lower contribution limit rules that capped donations to a gubernatorial campaign at $18,000.
Hochul, meanwhile, touted the effort to build up the finances of the state Democratic Committee as the party seeks to regain offices lost a year ago. In a statement, Hochul said she wants to build "the most coordinated and sophisticated operation in state history."
"This essential investment is unprecedented and will kickstart that work, and will complement the great efforts of Senator Gillibrand and Leader Jeffries as we fight to elect Democrats up and down the ballot," she said. "And we’re just getting started.”