Hochul Won't Take Matching Funds for Reelection Campaign

Buffalo-area lawmakers call for repowering NRG plant as city moves closer to full property tax exemption for certain veterans

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In this evening briefing, we cover several key stories from the Buffalo area, including Governor Kathy Hochul's decision not to participate in New York's taxpayer-funded matching funds program for her reelection campaign, lawmakers' push to repower the NRG plant in Dunkirk, and the Buffalo Common Council's passage of a resolution to provide a full property tax exemption for certain disabled veterans. The briefing also touches on a new hospitality study recommending a 400-room hotel be built downtown, the closure of Steel Leaf Brewing Company, and the Buffalo Bills' unveiling of a new logo for their inaugural season at the new Highmark Stadium.

Why it matters

These stories highlight important political, economic, and community developments in the Buffalo region, covering topics ranging from state-level politics and energy policy to local business and sports. They provide insight into the key issues and priorities shaping the area.

The details

Governor Kathy Hochul has decided not to participate in New York's taxpayer-funded matching funds program for her reelection campaign, breaking from past practice. Meanwhile, a group of Buffalo-area lawmakers, including Senator George Borrello, Congressman Nick Langworthy, and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, are calling on Hochul to support repowering the NRG plant in Dunkirk, which they say would restore reliable and affordable energy to Western New York. In Buffalo, the Common Council has passed a resolution to provide a full property tax exemption for veterans with a "100% permanent and total disability" related to active military service. A new hospitality study also recommends that a new 400-room hotel be built downtown, which the report says is vital to the region's growth as a host of meetings and conventions. Lastly, Steel Leaf Brewing Company has announced plans to close its doors at the end of February, and the Buffalo Bills have unveiled a new logo for their inaugural season at the new Highmark Stadium.

  • On Tuesday, temperatures will start out in the upper single digits to around 10 degrees, with highs topping out in the low 20s.
  • Widespread snow will move in Tuesday night, bringing a good chance for a few inches of accumulation, and the risk for snow showers will continue through Wednesday as highs get back up into the 30s.
  • Steel Leaf Brewing Company will close its doors on February 28.
  • The Buffalo Bills' new Highmark Stadium logo will be patched onto the team's jerseys worn in the first home game of the 2026 season.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who has decided not to participate in the state's taxpayer-funded matching funds program for her reelection campaign.

George Borrello

A New York State Senator leading the charge to call on Governor Hochul to support repowering the NRG plant in Dunkirk.

Nick Langworthy

A U.S. Congressman from New York who is joining the call for Governor Hochul to support repowering the NRG plant in Dunkirk.

Andrew Molitor

A New York State Assemblyman who is leading the effort to call on Governor Hochul to support repowering the NRG plant in Dunkirk.

Buffalo Common Council

The city government body that passed a resolution to provide a full property tax exemption for certain disabled veterans.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.