New York Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin is quietly building a network of wealthy big-money donors to help him prepare for a possible primary challenge for his seat.

Benjamin, who served as a state senator prior to being elected by Gov. According to sources familiar with the matter, Kathy Hochul, who was elected the state’s lieutenant Governor in August, started meeting with wealthy donors last week to begin building his campaign war fund. To speak openly about private fundraising, some people did not want to be identified.

Benjamin, who is running for reelection for 2022, will most likely be in a primary race for his seat. This could include a campaign by state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi.

Some people claimed that Benjamin participated in the kickoff campaign fundraising event at Dennis Mehiel’s home on Nov. 9. According to sources familiar with the matter, there will be multiple other events for fundraising in the next few weeks.

Benjamin supporters say that they support him because he’s a crucial partner for Gov. Hochul’s potential future run for governor, and many other reasons.

Hochul is currently in the middle of a Democratic Primary for her Seat. New York Attorney General Letitia JamesRecent announcement of a run for Governor

Benjamin, a moderate Democrat, has ties to New York’s business community from his previous work at Morgan Stanley. His involvement in the national finance committee of President Barack Obama was later a benefit, as he helped Vice President Kamala Harris during her 2020 campaign for President. Benjamin was a state senator and advocated for affordable housing and criminal justice reform.

Hochul told a press conference to introduce Benjamin that he would be “someone out there championing policies and the administration’s agenda in all corners of the state, with a focus on New York City. Because New York City requires our help.”

Some of the largest Democratic donors to the state and the top power players were present at the event in November, which included Mike Kempner, CEO of MikeWorldWide, the public relations firm. Jon HenesC Street Advisory Group CEO; Melissa Prober (Benjamin’s campaign finance chair, currently general counsel at Henes’ firm); and Brian Mathis, a Wall Street vet and co-founder of Pine Street Alternative Asset Management. CNBC was given a list of participants.

Bruce Teitelbaum, an executive in real estate, and Will Blodgett are two other notable business executives on the attendees list. Laurie Tisch is co-owner and attendee of the New York Giants.

According to people, they raised over $200,000 which was more than double their initial goal of $100,000. Donors have the option to give just under $22,000 to candidates for New York State office during primary season.

Prober said that it is not surprising that generous donors support the Lieutenant Governor’s campaign. Prober said that the Kickoff Event exceeded our expectations and was a success. I can assure you that we’re just beginning and that January will see very strong filings.

Benjamin also hired at least two consultants for fundraising advice to help him build a solid operation. CNBC has confirmed Shari Yost gold, who is a veteran fundraiser, has agreed to serve as a volunteer to Benjamin.

“Brian is a big part of the party’s future – he’s smart, pragmatic and donors see that – they are lining up to help him,” Yost Gold told CNBC about her work for Benjamin.

People briefed by the subject say that Anthony Mercurio, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s fundraiser manager, is now advising Benjamin.

A lot of people involved in raising money for Benjamin have previously helped Harris’ 2020 campaign. Kempner was the chair of the Mehiel event and has also been one of Benjamin’s key advisors. Henes served as Harris’ national finance chair in her last White House run.

The party’s leaders were former New York governor. The list includes David Paterson (ex-Rep. Charlie Rangel), former Rep. Charlie Rangel and Democratic New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. Dr. Hazel Dukes is the president of NAACP New York State Conference.