The mayor remains focused on winning next year’s election after suffering a major blow to his campaign on Monday.
The New York City Campaign Finance Commission, which adjudicates millions of dollars in public campaign funds, refused to provide millions of dollars in public matching funds to Adams’ re-election campaign.
What you need to know
Mayor’s re-election campaign was denied public matching dollars Monday
The commission cited the mayor’s indictment in its decision.
This topic may be revisited at a future meeting
“I think we should get matching funding,” the mayor told reporters Monday during his weekly Q&A, adding, “I continue to say I didn’t do anything wrong.” “But if a decision is not made, I will not sit down.” Go home and say how unfair that is to me. ”
The highly anticipated decision means the mayor will not receive more than $4 million in public matching dollars that his campaign says he is entitled to.
Instead, the board cited federal charges against him for bribery and fraud, and for accepting illegal foreign donations.
“After a thorough review of all available information, including the charges against Mayor Adams, the Board has reason to believe that the Adams campaign has engaged in conduct that is detrimental to the matching funds program in violation of the law, including campaign finance laws. “And board rules,” board chairman Frederick Schaefer said.
The mayor has already raised more than $4 million for the competitive 2025 Democratic primary.
Despite this, mayoral elections are incredibly expensive.
During the 2021 contest, the mayor received more than $10 million in public matching money.
Certainly, the mayor could work with the board to allay their concerns. But it appears to be an uphill climb considering the mayor’s federal corruption charges are focused on fundraising in 2021.
Mr. Adams has so far raised more money than his competitors.
And nearly every other mayoral candidate, with one exception, also failed to qualify for matching funds for various reasons.
“The truth is, this unprecedented rejection by the Campaign Finance Board means that leaders who understand that integrity and competency are essential to discussions about how to rebuild our city. It further shows that there is a need,” said former City Comptroller Scott Stringer. Said.
Mr. Stringer was the only candidate for mayor to qualify. He will earn more than $2 million in public matching dollars.
