Campaign Finance Board Denies Mayor Eric Adams’ Request for Public Matching Funds
Mayor’s Campaign Faces Allegations of Fraud and Noncompliance with Campaign Finance Board’s Inquiries
The New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) has denied Mayor Eric Adams’ request for millions of dollars in public matching funds, citing his track record of alleged fraud and noncompliance with the board’s inquiries. This decision is a significant blow to the mayor’s campaign to win a second term as he prepares to go on trial in federal court in April, charged with bribery and multiple counts of campaign finance fraud.
Adams’ Previous Campaign Finance History
In his first run for City Hall in 2021, Adams heavily relied on taxpayer dollars, with the CFB approving over $10 million in matching funds under the system that provides eligible candidates with $8 for every $1 raised from New York City residents, up to $250. For the first round of funding in the 2025 campaign, Adams had submitted claims to the CFB for a total of about $4 million in new public money. However, the board has denied his request and listed only one mayoral candidate, former comptroller Scott Stringer, as so far eligible to receive matching funds.
Allegations of Fraud and Noncompliance
CFB Chairman Frederick Schaffer noted the "unusual circumstances" surrounding Adams’ campaign, which required an extra level of transparency. The board has determined that there is reason to believe that the Adams campaign has engaged in conduct in violation of the campaign finance law and failed to provide documents requested by the board.
Federal Indictment and Campaign Finance Irregularities
The board’s rejection of Adams’ request is in part a response to allegations spelled out in the federal indictment. Prosecutors in the office of the Manhattan U.S. attorney allege that during his 2021 campaign, Adams and his aides solicited and accepted tens of thousands of dollars in illegal straw donations that mask the true source of the money, including some from foreign entities aligned with the Turkish government.
CFB’s Review of 2021 Campaign Contributions
A review by THE CITY found that in their preliminary examination of his 2021 contribution disclosures, the CFB had deemed as invalid nearly one-third of the contributions the campaign claimed were eligible for matching funds.
Conclusion
The denial of public matching funds is a significant blow to Mayor Adams’ re-election campaign, coming at a time when he faces a federal trial in April. While he can appeal the board’s decision, time is of the essence with a June primary just ahead.
FAQs
Q: Why did the CFB deny Mayor Adams’ request for public matching funds?
A: The CFB denied Adams’ request due to allegations of fraud and noncompliance with the board’s inquiries.
Q: What is the process for determining eligibility for public matching funds?
A: The CFB reviews campaign finance reports and determines eligibility based on compliance with campaign finance laws and regulations.
Q: What are the consequences of being denied public matching funds?
A: Candidates who are denied public matching funds can still raise funds from individual donors, but with limits. In this case, Adams can raise individual donations up to $3,700, while matching fund contributions are capped at $2,100.
