Kathy Hochul Caught in ‘Pay-to-Play’ Scandal Over Illegal Campaign Donations

Governor Kathy Hochul is under fire after admitting her campaign accepted nearly $70,000 in donations from individuals serving on state boards — a clear violation of an executive order she herself reissued in 2021.

The money came from at least eight individuals who serve on advisory panels or policymaking boards. Her campaign confirmed to reporters that the funds were being returned after the donations were exposed by Gothamist.

Under Executive Order 2, state employees and officers, including unpaid members of government panels, are prohibited from donating to gubernatorial campaigns. Despite that, Hochul’s campaign accepted contributions from donors like Matthew Rand, who serves on the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council and previously on the state’s Board of Real Property Tax Services, and Mark Gregorio, CEO of TEI Elevator, who sits on the Elevator Safety and Standards Board.

Gregorio, his wife, and his company collectively donated $63,000 to Hochul. Rand contributed $15,000.

Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik slammed Hochul, calling the situation a “pay-to-play scheme,” and said the governor only returned the money after the media got involved.

“She got busted,” Stefanik said.

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who has been rumored to be considering a primary challenge against Hochul in 2026, also rebuked her administration’s actions.

“For too long, New York has been run in backrooms with deals made behind closed doors,” Delgado said. “New York deserves a government that works for the people — not one that operates behind their backs.”

Despite the scandal, Hochul’s campaign has over $17 million on hand and maintains that the funds were returned voluntarily. A spokesperson declined to comment further.

Hochul had campaigned on promises of transparency and ethics reform after replacing disgraced Governor Andrew Cuomo, but critics say she has broken those promises repeatedly.

Randi Weingarten, president of the powerful teachers union, defended Hochul.

“Governor Hochul has the highest ethical standards and is working day in and day out to put money back in families’ pockets,” Weingarten said. “I’m proud to stand behind her.”