Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg hosted a fundraiser for a top Republican congressman at his residence Thursday night, despite pledging to donate $80 million to help Democrats flip the House of Representatives in November, according to a report.
In an invitation obtained by the New York Times, Bloomberg organized the Thursday night event for Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., who has represented the state’s 2nd Congressional District since 1993.
Michael Bloomberg — a week after pledging $80 million to help Dems win the House (https://t.co/6wcxSNDm20) — held a fundraiser at his home last night for Republican Rep. Peter King.
Co-hosts asked to raise $10k for King. pic.twitter.com/4DbJu8Te72
— Shane Goldmacher (@ShaneGoldmacher) June 29, 2018
Howard Wolfson, one of Bloomberg’s advisers, told the New York Times that the billionaire and King have “a long-standing relationship,” which was strengthened as the pair worked to secure funding to rebuild New York and help victims after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Bloomberg adviser Howard Wolfson explains the fundraising saying Bloomberg and King “have a long-standing relationship” that dates back to homeland security funding “for New York during the Bush administration after 911.”
— Shane Goldmacher (@ShaneGoldmacher) June 29, 2018
Bloomberg, who was mayor of New York City from 2002 to 2013, this month approved a plan to pour $80 million of his personal fortune into advertising for Democratic candidates in more than a dozen districts in which President Trump is unpopular. At the time, Bloomberg advisers told the New York Times their boss was expected to spend a limited amount or nothing at all on national Republican races.
Bloomberg is also reportedly still considering a run for president in 2020, motivated in part by his regret at not challenging Trump in 2016, sources told CBS.
