Introduction to the Controversy
Mayor Eric Adams claims he is fighting to obtain millions of dollars in public matching funds that a city board has denied his re-election campaign in light of his federal corruption charges alleging misuse of the system. During his weekly media briefing Monday, Adams insisted he is full speed ahead on his campaign for re-election. “People are catching up to me. I outpaced everyone. And we’re going to continue to fight to get our matching funds,” he said, adding, “We know how to do this.”
The Reality of the Situation
But three months after the city Campaign Finance Board (CFB) shot down the Adams 2025 committee’s request for $4 million in matching funds, his campaign has made zero effort to challenge the rejection and try to get the requested public dollars, which would double the size of his current $4.4 million campaign war chest. The campaign has yet to file a petition challenging the December decision, with the June 24 primary just over three months away. And it appears the campaign has made no effort whatsoever to contest the denial of matching funds.
Communication Breakdown
In response to a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, the CFB on Thursday provided all communications between the board and Adams’ 2025 campaign. On Dec. 17, the day after the board announced publicly they’d decided to deny the campaign’s request for matching funds, Adams’ campaign lawyer, Vito Pitta, sent a one-paragraph email to a CFB staffer requesting details on the basis for the denial “in order to determine whether we will petition for reconsideration.” The CFB responded that day with a letter pointing to the allegations spelled out in the indictment, then followed up each month with emails or letters noting that their request for matching funds was still denied, but reminding the Adams campaign that they could appeal that decision if they so choose.
Grounds for Denial
The initial notice cited only the allegations of fraudulent donations referenced in the indictment as the reason for the denial, plus the campaign’s refusal to turn over requested documentation related to those allegedly suspect donations. Subsequent notices went further, however, citing more problems CFB had uncovered, including that the campaign had not provided documentation of more than 10% of the contributions it had received. “You may petition the board in writing for reconsideration of this public funds determination,” each notice stated, adding that the petition “must state the grounds for reconsideration and may include a request to appear before the Board.”
Lack of Action
After the one terse email from Pitta, there were no further communications with the board from him or anyone else in the Adams campaign, according to the records provided by CFB. Pitta did not respond to requests about the campaign’s intentions regarding matching funds going forward as the clock continues to tick, with early voting starting June 14. Adams’ campaign has been spotted collecting signatures to get on the Democratic primary ballot.
Campaign Struggles
Since Manhattan federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment charging him with bribery and campaign finance fraud in September, the mayor has struggled to raise money for his campaign. His campaign’s most recent financial disclosure, through March 13, showed he has raised only $36,000 over the last few months, of which he refunded $18,000 to donors who exceeded contribution limits or for other reasons. Many of his supporters abandoned him after the Department of Justice moved last month to dismiss the criminal case, seeking, federal officials said, to gain his assistance in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Possible Independent Run
On Monday Adams insisted he’s running as a Democrat, but signs point to a possible ploy in the works for him to run as an independent in November. On Tuesday, a key advisor to Adams, lobbyist and former mayoral chief of staff Frank Carone, told NY1’s Errol Louis “The mayor is certainly running to win, and I believe he is going to win,” Carone said, but added: “there is a general [election] as well in November so the actual race is eight months away.” Asked by Louis about the possibility of an independent run, Carone responded, “He’ll announce his own plans.”
Conclusion
The future of Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign and his eligibility for matching funds remains uncertain. With the June primary approaching and the campaign’s current financial struggles, the decision on whether to challenge the denial of matching funds could significantly impact his re-election bid. The outcome of his federal corruption case and the city’s Campaign Finance Board’s stance on his campaign’s conduct will be crucial in determining the path forward.
FAQs
- Q: Why was Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign denied matching funds?
A: The city Campaign Finance Board denied the campaign’s request due to allegations of fraudulent donations and the campaign’s refusal to provide documentation related to these donations. - Q: Has the Adams campaign made any effort to challenge the denial?
A: Despite initial intentions expressed by the campaign’s lawyer, no formal petition or further communication has been made to the Campaign Finance Board to challenge the denial. - Q: What are the implications of the denial for Adams’ re-election campaign?
A: The denial could significantly impact his campaign’s financial capabilities, potentially affecting his ability to compete in the primary and general elections. - Q: Is there a possibility of Adams running as an independent in the general election?
A: While Adams has stated he is running as a Democrat, there are indications that he might consider an independent run, especially if his situation with the Democratic primary does not improve.
