George Soros Alumni Involvement in NYC Mayoral Campaign

The former executive director of the Open Society Foundation (OSF), tied to billionaire George Soros, has come back into the public eye due to his connection with Zohran Mamdani’s campaign in New York City. This connection hints at a broader relationship between Mamdani and figures from the Obama administration.

Patrick Gaspard, who held various significant political roles including serving as an advisor on Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign and later as the president of the Center for American Progress (CAP), has been advising Mamdani informally. Recently, he helped facilitate an introduction between Mamdani and David Axelrod, an influential architect of Obama’s campaign, according to a report from the New York Times.

A New York Times opinion piece published recently details how members of the Obama circle are rallying around Mamdani, engaging with his campaign behind the scenes. Following a noteworthy Democratic win in June, Obama even reached out to Mamdani to discuss the necessity of fostering optimism.

Gaspard, who attended Mamdani’s victory party in late June, mentioned he had been supporting Mamdani by accompanying him to meetings. He played a pivotal role in introducing Axelrod to Mamdani last month during a visit to the campaign’s Manhattan headquarters.

“What I found when I went to that office was a familiar spirit that I hadn’t seen for a while, bright, bright idealism,” Axelrod shared with The Times. He acknowledged that, while some of Mamdani’s ideas might not resonate with everyone, he certainly poses important questions.

Earlier this year, Fox News Digital noted that Mamdani’s campaign had been allocating significant resources to media strategists linked to the Obama faction, facilitated through figures like Axelrod and David Plouffe. Other Obama alumni, such as speechwriter John Favreau and former advisor Dan Pfeiffer, often involved in the “Pod Save America” podcast, have also been keeping close tabs on the campaign.

As the general election looms, the backing from Obama’s camp could prove crucial for Mamdani. Additionally, Gaspard’s previous ties to the Soros Foundation might attract affluent donors who align with Mamdani’s progressive agenda.

Gaspard, who made his mark as the OSF president from 2017 to 2020, reflected on Soros’s advocacy for inclusive and accountable democracy. He contended that while Soros’s contributions are scrutinized, they signify a dedication to reform amidst a flawed criminal justice system.

Gaspard stressed the need for fresh ideas to address public safety concerns, insisting that Soros shares those worries, despite perceptions otherwise.

The Mamdani campaign benefits from affiliations with several far-left organizations that have historically received substantial funding from OSF, including the Democratic Socialist-aligned Labor Family Party, which has received over $23 million from OSF.

Gaspard has been integral in guiding Mamdani through his campaign, collaborating with various groups aligned with progressive agendas. Jewish Voice for Peace Action has emerged as a notable organization advocating for anti-Israel sentiments and was active in 2024, promoting protests against Israel on college campuses.

It’s worth noting that Fox News Digital has previously reported on the significant influence of the Center for American Progress within the Biden administration, with many former CAP employees now in key positions. The Mamdani campaign and Gaspard have yet to respond to requests for comments.