Some had been with Mr. Lauder since 1989 when he ran his own quixotic race for mayor. Some Republicans are holding out hope that Mr. Lauder might still involve himself in this year’s races. While it is difficult to independently determine the full cost of his personal office, Estée Lauder securities filings give some hints. Mr. Lauder long had an arrangement with the company to house his personal office in the company’s Midtown headquarters. As part of the deal, Estée Lauder would provide some services, like payroll and phone systems, and Mr. Lauder would reimburse.