Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to recuse herself from negotiating a new gaming compact with the Seneca Nation, instead tapping two senior aides to hash out the agreement.
Hochul is recusing herself from negotiating a renewal of the Seneca Nation compact because her husband, William Hochul, is senior vice president, general counsel and secretary at Delaware North, the global gaming and hospitality company that has an interest in two racinos that directly compete with the Seneca Nation’s three casinos.
In 2021, Hochul signed an agreement recusing herself from decisions on “any all matters related to Delaware North.”
The compact negotiation is a unique situation, however, because no one besides Hochul can ultimately sign off on a deal with the sovereign nation besides the governor.
