Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

All in for Joe: Andrew Cuomo Plans to Open Fundraising Network to Biden

Biden officially launched his campaign Thursday, after months of speculation.

By Brian Schwartz

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has raised millions of dollars during his campaigns over the years, has indicated to associates in recent days that he will be opening his vast and powerful fundraising network exclusively to Joe Biden, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

Biden officially launched his campaign Thursday, after months of speculation.

“Andrew is all in for Joe. He is pushing his entire network that way – political and funding,” said a person who has spoken to Cuomo recently. This person declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the conversations.

A top party donor who has spoken to Cuomo advisors told CNBC, “Biden is going to have a formidable fundraising operation through, in part, Cuomo.”

Cuomo’s support could be a game changer for Biden. While the former vice president has consistently led Democratic primary polls, he has been aggressively courting donors in a bid to catch up to an already crowded primary field that has a head start in the fundraising game. New York State Board of Elections data show Cuomo has raked in $100 million in campaign contributions since he first ran for governor in 2010. At least 80 percent of his backers have given him $10,000 or more, records show.

Special Projects