As the current governor of New York, Kathy Hochul has not disclosed any direct ties to the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). However, Hochul’s campaign has received significant donations from real estate developers and brokers who are members of REBNY, leading to questions about her relationship with the powerful trade association.

REBNY is a leading trade association representing the real estate industry in New York City. The organization has a strong presence in New York politics and is known for its lobbying efforts and political donations to candidates who are seen as friendly to the real estate industry.

Hochul has not disclosed any direct ties to REBNY, and it is not clear whether she has had any personal interactions with the organization’s leadership. However, her campaign has received significant donations from real estate developers and brokers who are members of REBNY, raising concerns about the influence of the organization on her policies and priorities.

For example, one of Hochul’s top donors is Related Companies, a real estate development firm that is a member of REBNY. Related Companies has donated over $100,000 to Hochul’s campaign, and its CEO, Stephen Ross, has been a vocal supporter of the governor.

Hochul has also received significant donations from other real estate developers and brokers who are members of REBNY, including Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Tishman Speyer, and the Rudin Management Company.

While it is not clear whether these donations have influenced Hochul’s policies or decision-making, they have raised concerns about the influence of the real estate industry on New York politics. Critics argue that the large donations from REBNY members give the organization undue influence over public officials and policy decisions, while supporters argue that candidates have a right to engage in the political process and receive support from groups that share their values and goals.

Hochul has not commented publicly on her relationship with REBNY or the real estate industry, and it is not clear whether she plans to address these concerns as she continues her campaign for governor. However, her ties to the real estate industry and its leading trade association are likely to remain a subject of scrutiny and debate in New York politics.