Benjamin Oreskes
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Articles by Benjamin Oreskes
The Education of Kathy Hochul: A Family’s Rise, a Hometown’s Fall
In Lackawanna, a small Rust Belt city in western New York, generations of families have passed through a mobile home community since it opened in the 1950s to house mill and oven workers from Bethlehem Steel. Working-class tentacles still touch the rows of mobile homes and RVs, but there are signs of discord. Among the widespread totems of Buffalo Bills loyalty, a Confederate flag hang from one window. Well-manicured lawns outside newer homes contrast with rundown double-wides and dilapidated cars.
Hochul Leads Blakeman by 14 Points in Latest Poll Original
Hochul Leads Blakeman by 14 Points in Latest Poll Gov. Kathy Hochul appears to be maintaining a comfortable lead over her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman, in her re-election bid in New York. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who was re-elected in 2022 by a six-point margin, is hoping to match or better that mark against Bruce Blakeman, right, the Nassau County executive.Credit...Anna Connors for The New York Times Oct. 21, 2026, 5:16 p.m. ET Gov.
Bloomberg gives Democrats $80M in eleventh-hour midterm push
Around this time every election year, Democrats begin to wonder: Where is Michael Bloomberg? And then, like clockwork, he makes his move — spending big money to help Democrats. Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor and Democratic megadonor, is again serving as a late-arriving white knight for the party, sending about $80 million in September and October to help Democrats in the midterms, his team told the New York Times.
Michael Bloomberg Gives $80 Million to Help Democrats in Final Midterm Push
Michael Bloomberg Gives $80 Million to Help Democrats in Final Midterm Push - The New York Times
Bloomberg gives Democrats $80 million in eleventh-hour midterm push
Around this time every election year, Democrats begin to wonder: Where is Michael Bloomberg? And then, like clockwork, he makes his move -- spending big money to help Democrats. Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor and Democratic megadonor, is again serving as a late-arriving white knight for the party, sending about $80 million in September and October to help Democrats in the midterms, his team told The New York Times.
The G.O.P.’s Emphasis on Crime Isn’t Resonating With New York Voters
The G.O.P.’s Emphasis on Crime Isn’t Resonating With New York Voters Four years ago, Republicans stressed fears of rising crime to flip four House seats in New York. But in this year’s midterms, the issue seems less salient. Bruce Blakeman, the Republican county executive from Long Island who is challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul, has hewed to his party’s strategy of attacking the governor for not doing enough to combat crime.Credit...Pool photo by Anna Connors Oct. 16, 2026, 3:00 a.m. ET When Gov.
Cornell’s Powerful Board Meets as It Fights to Protect Its Reputation
Cornell’s Powerful Board Meets as It Fights to Protect Its Reputation The president argued this week that replacing him would be a mistake. Trustees, alumni and others are gathering at Cornell University for meetings and homecoming this week, as the university faces a crisis over sexual assault allegations.Credit...Lauren Petracca for The New York Times Oct.
Mamdani Taps His Social Media Charm on Behalf of Hochul, a Crucial Ally Original
Mamdani Taps His Social Media Charm on Behalf of Hochul, a Crucial Ally Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s first campaign video for Gov. Kathy Hochul, in which he attacks her Republican rival, Bruce Blakeman, has some of the mayor’s hallmark appeal, but a bit less pizazz. Mayor Zohran Mamdani calls Gov. Kathy Hochul’s opponent a “bad apple” in his 73-second campaign video. Oct.
Hochul and Blakeman in Heated Debate on Trump, Mamdani and High Prices
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Hochul and Blakeman in Heated Debate on Trump, Mamdani and High Prices The two contenders for governor of New York clashed over issues that include data centers and immigration in a debate that reflected the contentious nature of their contest. Gov.
James Dolan, a Former Hochul Supporter, Goes All In on Her G.O.P. Rival
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. James Dolan, a Former Hochul Supporter, Goes All In on Her G.O.P. Rival The Knicks owner is urging New York’s business elite to abandon Gov. Kathy Hochul, highlighting her support of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mr. Dolan has spent millions to back her opponent, Bruce Blakeman.
Blakeman Launches Graphic Attack on Mamdani in Meeting With Hasidic Jews
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Blakeman Launches Graphic Attack on Mamdani in Meeting With Hasidic Jews While seeking support from Hasidic leaders, the Republican candidate for governor, Bruce Blakeman, said Mayor Zohran Mamdani would not act if riots hit their community.
Tractor Pulling Hayride in Upstate New York Flips, Injuring at Least 6 Original
Tractor Pulling Hayride in Upstate New York Flips, Injuring at Least 6 A sheriff said the tractor appeared to be going at a high rate of speed and was out of control when it overturned Sunday in Wellsburg, N.Y., near the Pennsylvania border. Emergency officials in Wellsburg, N.Y., at the scene of a crash that resulted in multiple injuries on Sunday afternoon.Credit...Colleen Gillette Oct.
Cornell Case Carries Far-Reaching Implications for Hochul and James
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Cornell Case Carries Far-Reaching Implications for Hochul and James The decision to intercede by Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York attorney general, Letitia James, has raised questions of impartiality as both face re-election. Hilary Swift for The New York Times Oct. 4, 2026, 3:00 a.m. ET Just two months after Gov.
Live Updates: Hochul to Address Cornell Case After Appointing Special Prosecutor
Latest Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York was set to provide an update Friday morning on the sexual assault allegations that have shocked the nation, hours after she appointed the state attorney general to investigate a 2024 report by a Cornell University student who said she was raped at a fraternity house.
Hochul Names Letitia James as Special Prosecutor in Cornell Case
Hochul Names Letitia James as Special Prosecutor in Cornell Case Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed the New York State attorney general to investigate allegations by a former Cornell University student that several men sexually assaulted her. Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Letitia James, the state attorney general, to investigate the Cornell University assault allegation.Credit...Ryan Murphy for The New York Times Oct. 1, 2026, 8:15 p.m. ET Gov.
Andrew Cuomo Buys $10 Million Hamptons Home After Mayoral Loss
Andrew Cuomo Buys $10 Million Hamptons Home After Mayoral Loss The former New York governor bought a compound on the South Shore of Long Island in June that includes a nine-bedroom main house, a guesthouse and a tennis court. Former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s living arrangements, closely scrutinized during his campaign for New York City mayor, have been a mystery since he lost the election.Credit...Vincent Alban/The New York Times Sept.
Election Dispatches: Push for More Data Centers Squeezes Republicans in Tight Races
Sept. 29, 2026, 10:54 a.m. ET36 minutes ago Image A data center under construction in Ashburn, Va., in June. Surveys show that most Americans oppose the construction of data centers to support artificial intelligence.Credit...Caroline Gutman for The New York Times President Trump’s meeting with technology executives on Tuesday has put some Republican candidates in an awkward position heading into the midterm elections.
In N.Y. Swing District, Candidates Debate Trump, Energy and Data Centers
In N.Y. Swing District, Candidates Debate Trump, Energy and Data Centers - The New York Times
Mamdani’s Shadow Looms Over Hochul’s Bid for Re-election
Mamdani’s Shadow Looms Over Hochul’s Bid for Re-election Gov. Kathy Hochul is counting on Mayor Zohran Mamdani to help her campaign in New York, but how he does so is still being worked out. Gov.
Republicans Seize on Democrat’s Defense Contractor Ties in N.Y. House Race
Republicans Seize on Democrat’s Defense Contractor Ties in N.Y. House Race Cait Conley, who is trying to flip a Republican seat held by Representative Mike Lawler, is fending off attacks concerning her work after she left the Biden administration. Cait Conley, a Democrat, is running against Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican who has received support from President Trump.Credit...Ryan Murphy for The New York Times Sept.
Can a Republican Become Governor of New York? Blakeman Makes His Case.
Can a Republican Become Governor of New York? Blakeman Makes His Case. Bruce Blakeman is trying to unseat Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, attacking her on the economy, crime and immigration by using Trump-like tactics and A.I. Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, is seeking to become the first Republican governor of New York in 20 years.Credit...Cindy Schultz for The New York Times Sept.
As A.I. Chaos Grows, One Democrat Has a Plan to Force the Issue in 2028
As A.I. Chaos Grows, One Democrat Has a Plan to Force the Issue in 2028 Alex Bores, who lost a congressional primary contest that revolved around A.I. regulation, is trying to position himself at the center of the conversation for the next presidential election. Alex Bores campaigning in Central Park in June. He lost a Democratic primary contest for the House that centered on A.I. regulation. Credit...Heather Khalifa for The New York Times Sept.
They Fought the Battle of Brooklyn, After a Bus Ride From New Jersey
It was the night before a re-enactment of the Battle of Brooklyn, but efforts to teleport to the past had already begun. Even so, compromises were made. The campsite was not in Brooklyn, but at the Alpine Scout Camp in New Jersey. And when a bottle of contemporary cider was offered, its cap was painstakingly removed with a bayonet. But the time for libations was short.
For a New York Governor Candidate, 9/11 Recalls a Personal Tragedy
For a New York Governor Candidate, 9/11 Recalls a Personal Tragedy Gov. Kathy Hochul and her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman, will observe the Sept. 11 anniversary at ground zero. For Mr. Blakeman, the grief will be personal. Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, lost his nephew in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.Credit...Dave Sanders for The New York Times Sept. 11, 2026, 11:41 a.m. ET For Gov.
How New York’s Second-Home Tax Turned Into a Headache for Mamdani
How New York’s Second-Home Tax Turned Into a Headache for Mamdani The bumpy rollout of the tax created an opportunity for Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s opponents to fight him in court and in the City Council. The second-home tax, which is expected to raise hundreds of millions of dollars annually for New York City, was seen as a way to help close a budget gap and deliver on Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s promise to “tax the rich.”Credit...Karsten Moran for The New York Times Aug. 21, 2026, 12:16 p.m. ET Gov.
Woman arrested in plot to bomb New York State Capitol
By BENJAMIN ORESKES and WILLIAM K. RASHBAUM NYTimes News Service Federal agents and police detectives have arrested a 35-year-old woman who prosecutors say was planning to bomb the New York State Capitol, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court on Thursday. The woman, Jessica Bowie, was charged with one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, according to the complaint.
Woman arrested in plot to bomb New York State Capitol
Federal agents and police detectives have arrested a 35-year-old woman who prosecutors say was planning to bomb the New York State Capitol, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court on Thursday. The woman, Jessica Bowie, was charged with one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, according to the complaint. A lawyer for Bowie could not be immediately identified, and she could not be reached for comment. Gov.
Woman Arrested in Plot to Detonate Bomb in New York State Capitol Original
Woman Arrested in Plot to Detonate Bomb in New York State Capitol The woman had ties or pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. It was unclear how far along she was in planning an attack. The woman was arrested on Wednesday, according to people with knowledge of the arrest.Credit...Cindy Schultz for The New York Times Aug.
Ralph Nader, Unsurprisingly, Still Wants You to Pay Attention
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Ralph Nader, Unsurprisingly, Still Wants You to Pay Attention Mr. Nader, 92, is no longer in the public eye, but he has not stopped fighting for whatever needs fighting, whether people are listening or not.
Ralph Nader, Unsurprisingly, Still Wants You to Pay Attention
Each day, nearly without fail, Ralph Nader inhales several prominent periodicals, breathing new life into his perpetual state of outrage at the political environment du jour. He will inevitably call Shine-Erkh Picon, his assistant, with a list of reporters, academics and elected officials he wants to contact. He will inevitably bristle when his missives are not received with the enthusiasm (or responses) they so richly deserve. This was one of those instances.
Without Platner, Maine Democrats Scramble to Keep Grassroots Energy Alive
Ryan Warren sat in his home office in Fairfield, Maine, on a recent morning, racing to design campaign materials between Zoom meetings and phone calls with fellow political organizers. Just days earlier, he had been working to elect Graham Platner to the U.S. Senate. But after Mr. Platner’s withdrawal from the race amid scandal, Mr. Warren had a new mission: finding a way to keep his populist movement alive while scrambling to find a new Democratic nominee.
Without Platner, Maine Democrats Scramble to Keep Grassroots Energy Alive
Ryan Warren sat in his home office in Fairfield, Maine, on a recent morning, racing to design campaign materials between Zoom meetings and phone calls with fellow political organizers. Just days earlier, he had been working to elect Graham Platner to the U.S. Senate. But after Platner's withdrawal from the race amid scandal, Warren had a new mission: finding a way to keep his populist movement alive while scrambling to find a new Democratic nominee.
Takeaways From a Maine Debate That Showed Replacing Platner Isn’t Easy
PORTLAND, Maine — As Maine Democrats rush to replace Graham Platner with a new Senate nominee, eight candidates gathered Thursday night for a debate that starkly showed the party’s challenge in unseating Sen. Susan Collins, the incumbent Republican. The implosion of Platner, who dropped out days after being accused of rape, has left Maine Democrats choosing from a sparse buffet of candidates who either lost primaries for other offices this year or lack any traditional resume to run for the Senate.
5 Takeaways From a Maine Debate That Showed Replacing Platner Isn’t Easy
5 Takeaways From a Maine Debate That Showed Replacing Platner Isn’t Easy Maine Democrats vying to become the state’s new Senate nominee met, and mostly agreed, at a debate filled with halting answers and stilted deliveries. The first hour of the debate featured four of the top Democratic candidates for Senate in Maine: from left, Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson, Dr. Nirav Shah and Jordan Wood.
The Democratic Socialists winning elections far from New York City
By BENJAMIN ORESKES and MARK SOMMER NYTimes News Service BUFFALO, N.Y. — As the national co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America, Megan Romer has worked for plenty of campaigns and knocked on all sorts of doors across the country. But for Romer, there is something special about Buffalo that made it “the best canvassing city in the country,” and it’s not just because she hails from nearby Cayuga County. “Everybody has got a front porch,” she said.
The Democratic Socialists Winning Elections Far From New York City
The Democratic Socialists Winning Elections Far From New York City They won Democratic state legislative primaries in Buffalo and Syracuse, showing how the party’s messaging and ground game can work outside New York City.
The Democratic Socialists Winning Elections Far From New York City
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- As the national co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America, Megan Romer has worked for plenty of campaigns and knocked on all sorts of doors across the country. But for Romer, there is something special about Buffalo that made it "the best canvassing city in the country," and it's not just because she hails from nearby Cayuga County. "Everybody has got a front porch," she said.
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Fourth of July Weekend Presents a Huge Logistical Challenge for New York A flurry of major events is expected to draw large crowds, requiring extensive planning and security preparations. Oh, and there’s also a heat wave. Tall ships traveled past the East River Esplanade in Manhattan during Sail4th 250 on Friday.
How Mamdani Sees the World Through Soccer
Growing up in New York City, Zohran Mamdani followed professional soccer with a fervor and diligence that bordered on derangement. Now, Mr. Mamdani is showing what happens when a soccer fanatic is elected mayor of a World Cup host city. He has hosted former members of his favorite team, Arsenal, at Gracie Mansion, attended one of the tournament’s biggest matches and bounced from watch party to watch party celebrating the sport he loves.
Fourth of July Weekend Presents a Huge Logistical Challenge for New York
NEW YORK -- The New York City region is playing host to a series of major events over Independence Day weekend, each of which brings immense logistical and security challenges. City and state officials have been busily preparing for some of them -- America's 250th anniversary, the World Cup -- for years. Others -- Taylor Swift's wedding, a triple-digit heat wave -- have required last-minute maneuvering.
How Mamdani Sees the World Through Soccer
NEW YORK -- Growing up in New York City, Zohran Mamdani followed professional soccer with a fervor and diligence that bordered on derangement. Now, Mamdani is showing what happens when a soccer fanatic is elected mayor of a World Cup host city. He has hosted former members of his favorite team, Arsenal, at Gracie Mansion, attended one of the tournament's biggest matches and bounced from watch party to watch party celebrating the sport he loves.
After Banner Night, DSA Sharpens Its Policy and Political Ambitions
In February, fresh off helping elect Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City, a retinue of democratic socialist officials met with Carl Heastie, the powerful speaker of the state Assembly, who had frequently tangled with Mamdani and his allies. Heastie reiterated his long-held frustration with the group's penchant for challenging Democrats in primaries and said he wished that they would stop targeting members of the same party, because it was not the best path forward.
Blakeman Suggests Lander, a Jewish Politician, Would Have Aided Nazis
Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York, accused a Jewish politician of being disloyal to his faith, suggesting that he would have assisted Nazis if given the opportunity. Appearing on Newsmax on Wednesday, Blakeman, who is also Jewish, called Brad Lander -- the former New York City comptroller who defeated Rep. Dan Goldman in a Democratic primary this week -- "a disgrace." "He's anti-American, he is antisemitic, even though he's Jewish," Blakeman added.
Blakeman Suggests Lander, a Jewish Politician, Would Have Aided Nazis Original
Blakeman Suggests Lander, a Jewish Politician, Would Have Aided Nazis Brad Lander, a Democrat who won his House primary in New York, told voters to reject the “bigotry” of Bruce Blakeman, a Republican candidate for governor who is also Jewish. Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, said Brad Lander was antisemitic.Credit...Cindy Schultz for The New York Times June 25, 2026, 7:17 p.m. ET Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate challenging Gov.
After Banner Night, D.S.A. Sharpens Its Policy and Political Ambitions
After Banner Night, D.S.A. Sharpens Its Policy and Political Ambitions After democratic socialists captured two House primaries and several state legislative contests in New York, the group’s leaders mulled how to use their expanding influence.
After Bruising Primaries in New York, Democrats Look to November Original
Even as Cait Conley took the stage Tuesday night to thunderous cheers from her supporters celebrating her primary win in a critical House swing district in New York’s Hudson Valley, she wasted little time dwelling on her victory. “America is at a crossroads,” she said somberly.
After Bruising Primaries in New York, Democrats Look to November
Even as Cait Conley took the stage Tuesday night to thunderous cheers from her supporters celebrating her primary win in a critical House swing district in New York's Hudson Valley, she wasted little time dwelling on her victory. "America is at a crossroads," she said somberly. "Who we are as America, the values that define us, the future that we hold -- all of that is on the line." Defending those ideals, she said, would mean not only toppling Rep.
Thomas DiNapoli Beats 2 Challengers in N.Y. Comptroller Primary Original
Thomas DiNapoli Beats 2 Challengers in N.Y. Comptroller Primary Mr. DiNapoli, who was challenged from the left by Raj Goyle and Drew Warshaw, is on track to become the longest serving comptroller in New York history. Thomas DiNapoli has served as New York State comptroller since 2007.Credit...Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times June 23, 2026, 9:27 p.m. ET Thomas P.
Why Neither Candidate for Governor of New York Faces a Primary Challenge Original
You have been granted access, use your keyboard to continue reading. Why Neither Candidate for Governor of New York Faces a Primary Challenge Six months ago, Gov. Kathy Hochul expected to have to run in a primary, and it looked like two leading state Republicans would be fighting for their party’s nod. Then things changed.
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