Kathy Hochul Nabs Three Entertainment Union Endorsements In New York Governor’s Race (Exclusive)

Three of New York’s major entertainment unions are endorsing Governor Kathy Hochul for reelection.

Actors’ Equity Association, which represents actors and stage managers, IATSE, which represents craftspeople and other behind-the-scenes workers in theater and film and television and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, which represents musicians on Broadway, soundstages and elsewhere, all issued endorsements for Hochul.

“I’m honored to earn the backing of Actors’ Equity, IATSE, and AFM Local 802 — the performers, musicians, and behind-the-scenes professionals who make New York the entertainment capital of the world. From strengthening the Broadway, film, and television tax credits to fighting for fair wages, safe workplaces, and good union jobs, we’ve shown what’s possible when our leaders stand with our artists. I’m grateful for their confidence and look forward to continuing our partnership to support New York’s creative economy, create opportunity, and ensure every working family can continue building a brighter future right here in New York,” Hochul said.

Hochul is running for a second full term after running unopposed in the Democratic primary. She will face Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman and Working Families Party candidate Amy Taylor in the general election in November. Hochul first took office in August 2021, after Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s resignation, and was officially elected to a first full term in November 2022.

The entertainment unions listed Hochul’s support of the Broadway tax credit, which the Governor continued in the latest state budget, as well as her expansion of film and television tax incentives, after increasing the cap on the state’s film and TV subsidies to $800 million, as reasons for their support.

“Throughout her time in office, Governor Hochul has time and again justified our faith in her and consistently supported increases in state arts funding to make New York a national leader. Through her support of initiatives from the critically important Broadway tax credit to legislation that will provide public funding to support arts nonprofits across New York State, Governor Hochul is helping build a strong live arts economy in New York. We look forward to more important leadership in her next term that bolsters the live entertainment industry and supports its workers,” said Al Vincent, Jr., executive director of Actors’ Equity Association.

“IATSE District 10 proudly endorses Governor Kathy Hochul for her strong support of New York’s entertainment workforce. By expanding film and television tax credits, strengthening Broadway and theater tax incentives, and increasing COBRA premium assistance for entertainment workers, Governor Hochul has helped create jobs, support live performance, and protect access to health care for union members and their families,” the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees District 10 said in a statement.

“The musicians of Local 802 AFM are proud to support Governor Kathy Hochul. A true friend to performing artists of every kind, Gov. Hochul has stood with us time and again, expanding pathways for musicians to earn a living wage with dignity. From the orchestra pits of Broadway, sustained by the New York City Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit she has championed and expanded, to the sound stages and recording studios across the city and state supported by the Empire State Film Production Tax Credit, professional musicians know we have an ardent advocate in Kathy Hochul,” said Dan Point, president of American Federation of Musicians Local 802.