Hochul’s Ad Campaign Tests State Ethics Law
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office is financing a significant advertising campaign with state funds to promote her policy agenda, a strategy that legal experts and political opponents argue exploits a loophole in a two-decade-old ban on self-promotion by elected officials using taxpayer money.
State law explicitly prohibits governors and other elected officials from appearing in advertisements paid for with state funds. While Governor Hochul does not personally appear in the ads—which have run on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and on a billboard—they direct viewers to a state-run website where she is prominently featured discussing plans to cut red tape for affordable housing. This method of indirect promotion has drawn sharp criticism.
“They’re skirting the very intent of what that law was meant to do, and that’s using taxpayer dollars to promote the image or likeness of the governor,” said Republican Assemblymember Matt Slater. He has called for an investigation into potential violations and suggested consequences should be considered. The governor’s office has stated that a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request is necessary to review the full scope and cost of the campaign.
One YouTube ad, part of a 21-ad buy on Google platforms, simply reads “Let Them Build” and links to the state website. The Executive Chamber spent between $10,000 and $15,000 on that specific ad, which has accumulated one million views. A spokesperson for Hochul, Jen Goodman, defended the campaign: “The state routinely engages in awareness and education campaigns on critical policy priorities and this campaign was designed in compliance with all ethics laws.”
Legal Loopholes and Historical Context
The law’s origin traces back to former Governor George Pataki’s use of state-funded commercials during an election year to promote a healthcare program. Ethics reforms under former Governor Eliot Spitzer later codified the prohibition. However, experts note that the statute has not evolved with modern digital advertising practices.
“From a technical perspective, she may not be violating the law,” said Rachael Fauss of the good-government group Reinvent Albany. “But I think the spirit of the law is to not have the governor’s likeness be promoted through the use of taxpayer funds. That was the intent of it. Unfortunately, this is an area where the law hasn’t kept up with the way people consume media and ads these days.” Fauss added that if the law were written today, it would likely address such indirect digital campaigns.
Slater emphasized that Hochul, who is up for reelection this year, has ample campaign funds to use for promotional activities. “What she’s doing right now is spending taxpayer money to enhance her image,” he said.
Attorney General James Backs Algorithmic Pricing Crackdown
State Attorney General Letitia James is supporting new legislation aimed at curbing the use of algorithmic pricing by retailers, a practice she argues unfairly targets consumers on essential goods.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Michaelle Solages and Deputy Senate Majority Leader Mike Gianaris, would address “personalized pricing” models that use a consumer’s personal data—such as browsing history or location—to set individual prices. James, speaking in Albany, highlighted the impact on everyday necessities. “This online pricing model hits hardest where it hurts the most — food, medicine, diapers and other essentials,” she said. The proposal is part of a broader legislative focus on affordability issues affecting New Yorkers.
From City Hall: Legal Battles and Budget Tensions
Evidence Sought in Pearson Harassment Case
The former NYPD sergeant suing former mayoral aide Tim Pearson for sexual harassment is seeking access to the “new evidence” that led the Mamdani administration to cut off his taxpayer-funded legal defense. Roxanne Ludemann’s attorney, John Scola, filed a court demand for all materials reviewed by the city Law Department in deciding to withdraw representation for Pearson and former NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey. Both men, who resigned in late 2024 amid separate corruption probes, deny wrongdoing. The city has already paid over $620,000 for Pearson’s legal fees through the controversial arrangement approved under the prior Adams administration.
Finance Department Pick Highlights Budget Standoff
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is in talks to hire Richard Lee, currently the City Council’s Director of Finance, to lead the city’s Department of Finance. The potential move would strip Council Speaker Julie Menin of her top budget adviser amid tense negotiations over the city’s $127 billion budget and a projected multi-billion dollar deficit. Mamdani has proposed raising property taxes to bridge the gap, a plan Menin has rejected as a “nonstarter,” instead demanding cost cuts. The mayor has countered that the city needs authority from Albany to tax millionaires and corporations—a proposal the Council has also opposed. Lee’s prospective role would involve overseeing property assessments, a key factor in determining city revenue.
Around New York
Machiavellian Mamdani: The New York Times reports the mayor exerted political pressure on progressive lawmakers, including interfering in a congressional race and threatening a council member.
Adams Official Under Probe: Gothamist reports the former commissioner of the city’s probation department under Mayor Eric Adams is under investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney.
Mayor Dines with Knicks: GQ notes Mayor Mamdani broke his Ramadan fast with Senegalese Knicks player Mo Diabate.
