The FBI pushed back against Gov. Kathy Hochul after she dismissed a federal investigation into a Democratic Party leader as a “political hit job,” confirming that federal agents are coordinating with state investigators on the case.
Hochul had criticized the probe involving Suffolk County Democratic Party Chairman Rich Schaffer while acknowledging that she was not familiar with the specific allegations. She nevertheless downplayed the investigation and invoked President Trump in her comments.
On Tuesday, the federal law enforcement agency responded by accusing the Democratic governor of politicizing an active investigation ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
“It’s irresponsible to comment on joint state and federal investigations during the election campaign to score political points,” an FBI spokesperson told The Post.
“It undermines the integrity of the investigative process and hurts the candidates running for office,” the spokesperson added.
The statement marked the FBI’s first public confirmation that the investigation exists, as well as its first acknowledgment that state authorities are assisting federal agents in examining the allegations involving Schaffer.
The Post previously reported on the inquiry, citing sources who said they had been interviewed by both federal and state investigators about the Suffolk County Democratic leader.
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Schaffer has led the Suffolk County Democratic Party for more than 26 years. He won another term as chairman last month despite allegations that he threatened party members and offered financial incentives to some in exchange for votes supporting his reelection.
When asked about the federal investigation into those claims, Hochul blamed the Republican president, even though the allegations originated with members of Schaffer’s own party.
“Anything coming out of the Trump administration days before an election… is calculated as a political hit job,” Hochul said earlier this month.
The governor is seeking reelection against Republican Bruce Blakeman, who is now serving as Nassau County executive.
In September, several Democratic Party members and local officials raised concerns about Schaffer, accusing him of mounting a Mafia-style pressure campaign shortly before he defeated progressive challenger Kathryn Casey Quigley in a contest for control of the party.
Quigley was the first person to challenge Schaffer during his nearly three decades at the helm of the Suffolk County Democratic organization.
Schaffer has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the accusations as “baseless.”