Good afternoon — It’s Tuesday and International Literacy Day.
Did someone forward you this email? Sign up here to receive this weekday newsletter.
Hey, it’s Dan. Welcome to a late start to the week.
In today’s CapCon, Gov. Kathy Hochul is escalating her attacks on the White House over what she says is an '“idiotic trade war” over “settling personal scores.”
Hochul also defended New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Tuesday after a pair of high-profile Republicans called on him to sit out this Friday’s 9/11 ceremony.
Then, a top Albany lobbyist has formed a super PAC to support Hochul’s reelection bid this year. (Campaign Corner)
And, after Democrats in Ulster County voted to ask the state for permission to impose a surcharge on local high-income earners, a new PAC has been formed to fight back.
Later, a new bill is targeting campaign contributions in the form of digital currency. That’s allowed in New York. (New Bills of Note)
Plus, the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government has settled four cases, including one involving Hochul’s former acting state budget director.
Bonus: What’s happening this week in state government. (At the Capitol)
Names in today’s CapCon: Kathy Hochul, Donald J. Trump, Sandra Beattie, George Pataki, Rudy Giuliani, Zohran Mamdani, Emily Giske, Wayne Kawadler, Brian J. Woltman, Abe Uchitelle, Kalman Yeger, Bruce Blakeman
Try CapCon free for 7 days
We're not like other outlets. Get full access to Capitol Confidential New York — the kind of coverage of New York government and politics you won't get anywhere else.
Try nowWhat's in the full version:
- News on the 2026 elections for governor, Congress and the state Legislature
- Updates on Gov. Kathy Hochul and other top state officials
- What's happening in New York's courts, including cases involving the state
- New bills introduced during and outside the legislative session
- And content that other news outlets miss or ignore
