Chris Bragg reports in the Times Union that billionaire Ronald Lauder has spent $28,500 on digital ads promoting state Sen. Daphne Jordan, the Republican incumbent in the 43rd State Senate District running against Democrat Patrick Nelson. Lauder has spent more than $4 million to elect New York state Senate Republicans this year. “She accuses me of being bankrolled by downstate party bosses, which is completely false. You can ask them,” said Nelson. “Meanwhile, she’s actually bankrolled by a downstate billionaire who is trying to save her failing campaign by buying this seat for the least productive senator in district history. Mr. Lauder doesn’t care if our district has a good representative or not, so long as that representative votes his way." Jordan did not defend the efforts from an heir to the Estee Lauder fortune on her behalf, but instead attacked Nelson. "I’m glad someone is also fighting with me for a safer New York State, since Patrick Nelson is endorsed by defund the police,” her statement read. The 43rd District includes Rensselaer and Columbia counties. Read more about this story in the Times Union.