Bruce Blakeman comments on ex-wife's $18,000 donation to Kathy Hochul's campaign

GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman's ex-wife, Nancy McCartney, formerly Nancy Shevell, donated $18,000 to Governor Kathy Hochul's campaign before Blakeman launched his campaign. The donation was made to 'Friends for Kathy Hochul' in May 2025, according to records. Blakeman stated that he is not concerned about the donation, noting that it was made six months prior to his campaign announcement. He mentioned, 'I don’t know anything about it and certainly she’s free to contribute to any campaign that she wants to contribute to.' He added that he did not inquire about her reasons for the donation. The Times Union reported that Shevell-McCartney has previously contributed to both Republican and Democratic candidates, including a $3,000 donation to Republican Joe Lhota's campaign for New York City mayor in 2013. Blakeman acknowledged the unusual nature of his ex-wife being married to Sir Paul McCartney, stating, 'It’s a little surrealistic that your ex-wife is married to a Beatle.' He also expressed a positive view of McCartney, saying, 'Nice guy, and I’m a fan. I love his music.' Blakeman and Shevell-McCartney share a son, Arlen, who has campaigned with his father. Blakeman is currently married to Nassau County Family Court Judge Segal Blakeman.