NY Gov. Hochul accepted — and is now refunding — thousands in donations from appointees

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s massive campaign war chest is a source of political strength.

But after a Democratic primary rival questioned some of the incumbent’s fund-raising methods, the governor’s campaign said it will return thousands of dollars she accepted from people she’s appointed to state boards and councils.

Public records show Hochul has raised at least $72,500 from people who donated after she gave them positions steering state policy on things like cannabis and elevator safety. Some of the people in question also contributed before their appointments, and some of the appointees were first put into their positions by Hochul’s predecessor, Andrew Cuomo.

State employees and officers – even in the unpaid positions in question – are prohibited from donating to a gubernatorial campaign u