Hochul to host in-person fundraiser next week in Buffalo: report

New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul (D), who is set to lead the state when Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) resignation takes effect later this month and has already announced she will seek a full term next year, will host a fundraiser Wednesday in Buffalo, people familiar with the matter told CNBC.

CNBC reported that tickets for the event, which also celebrates Hochul’s birthday, are expected to cost between $2,500 and $5,000. Hochul, who is set to become the first female governor of New York, hosts a fundraiser for her birthday every year.

There will likely be a separate grassroots donor event on the same day, according to CNBC, which added that the event was set up before Cuomo’s resignation.

The fundraiser was initially set to take place on Hochul’s property in Buffalo, but was moved given the heightened interest in her.

There is, however, a chance the event could be postponed until after she settles into the governorship.

A spokesperson for the lieutenant governor declined to comment to CNBC.

Cuomo on Tuesday announced his resignation after state Attorney General Letitia James (D) released a report finding that he sexually harassed 11 different women, in addition to breaking state and federal laws. 

CNBC noted that the money will go to Hochul’s lieutenant governor re-election campaign, which reported raising $525,000 in the first half of the year, with more than $1.7 million on hand.

The gubernatorial race is heating up already, with Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) already securing the support of much of the state Republican Party. Also in the race are Republicans former Westchester County executive Rob Astorino and Andrew Giuliani, the son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Hochul is the only Democrat to officially declare that she’s running for governor, but others have been expressed interest. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has not ruled out a bid.