Recent financial disclosures reveal that former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is garnering significant support as he eyes a run for mayor of New York City. The New York City Campaign Finance Board has reported that a pro-Cuomo super-PAC, named Fix the City, has raised an impressive $10 million over just the past five months. According to an analysis by The New York Times, a group of 16 billionaires have contributed to this PAC, indicating a substantial backing from the ultrawealthy for Cuomo’s campaign.
In New York politics, where financial influence often steers political direction, the individuals and organizations behind Cuomo’s campaign illustrate a deeply woven fabric of interests aiming for access to a leading Democratic contender. Cuomo’s burgeoning list of affluent donors highlights a concerning trend where influential entities seek to gain favor with a candidate who has previously faced serious scandals.
Among the most prominent contributors to the Fix the City PAC are major real-estate firms. The Durst Organization, which co-developed the World Trade Center and controls millions of square feet of real estate in the city, has contributed $100,000. Peter Fine, founder of the Atlantic Development Group, donated $250,000 despite facing numerous legal issues with the city regarding building violations.
Another significant donor, John Fish, a billionaire in Boston overseeing Suffolk Construction Company, also donated $250,000 as his company pivots towards expanding its operations in New York City. In a similar vein, the Fisher Brothers contributed $100,000; their history with Cuomo includes a past scandal during which a corruption investigation involving them was quelled by the former governor.
Halmar International, a public-works firm from Rockland County, donated $250,000 and is currently poised to bid on redeveloping Penn Station. Notably, Bruce Ratner, a prominent real-estate developer linked to Atlantic Yards and the former co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets, gave $36,000, continuing a history of supporting Cuomo’s initiatives since 2009. Vornado Realty Trust, led by chairman Steven Roth, contributed $150,000 while seeking to push forward a stalled Midtown redevelopment project that had previously received Cuomo’s endorsement as governor.
The tech sector has also rallied behind Cuomo, with DoorDash emerging as the largest single contributor to Fix the City, donating a whopping sum of $1 million. As a leading food delivery service in a city dependent on such logistics, DoorDash’s investment reflects their belief in Cuomo’s potential to enact favorable business policies. Mark Gorton, the founder of Limewire and a transportation advocate, donated $250,000 as well, despite criticisms over his personal driving habits.
Other notable contributions from the tech space include Reed Hastings, the billionaire chairman of Netflix, who contributed $250,000, and Lyft, which donated $15,000 amidst ongoing legal efforts to reduce operational costs for drivers.
The donations do not end with real estate and tech; a slew of assorted ultra-wealthy individuals have also thrown their support behind Cuomo. Investor Bill Ackman donated $250,000, expressing shared concerns with Cuomo regarding Jewish students’ safety at Columbia University. Media mogul Barry Diller, who has publicly acknowledged Cuomo’s support for the Little Island park, matched Ackman’s contribution with a $250,000 donation of his own.
John B. Hess, the billionaire oil executive, added another $250,000. Gregg Hymowitz’s wife, Marcella, made headlines with her $150,000 donation, despite her husband previously supporting another mayoral candidate. Additionally, Chicago options trader and investment firm co-founder Matt Hulsizer contributed $250,000, while music icon Billy Joel’s trust donated $50,000, signifying his long-time support of Cuomo.
Fashion designer Michael Kors and Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone each contributed $50,000, continuing their history of backing Cuomo. William Lauder of Estée Lauder fame led the contributions from the Lauder family with a notable $250,000, matched by his cousin, Jack Zinterhofer. Hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb similarly donated $250,000, after previously voicing strong opinions on policing at universities.
Deborah Simon, daughter of the late mall mogul and Indiana Pacers co-owner, gifted $150,000, and Walmart heiress Alice Walton donated $100,000, affirming her status among the wealthiest individuals in the world.
While the super-PAC Fix the City continues to shatter records for outside funding in municipal elections, the question arises whether the influence of these wealthy donors serves the public interest or primarily their own. As Cuomo’s potential candidacy unfolds, it becomes evident that with such financial backing, he may seek to reclaim a significant position in New York City politics, raising concerns over the impacts of an ever more bought-and-paid-for political landscape.
image source from：https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/nyc-mayor-race-who-are-andrew-cuomos-donors.html
