Concerns Over Donations to Zohran Mamdani’s Campaign

Zohran Mamdani’s campaign is under scrutiny due to some notably timed donations, particularly from individuals with ties to media and connections to progressive movements linked to China.

As the mayoral election approaches—just weeks away—the Democratic Socialist candidate’s political action committee has amassed a significant amount of funding, reportedly in the hundreds of thousands.

One prominent donation came from Katrina Vanden Heuvel, the national editor and publisher, who contributed $25,000 through her private company, Mayberry LLC. This funding was noted on September 16, following an exclusive interview in her magazine that featured Mamdani and was released shortly after.

Vanden Heuvel co-hosted this interview with the magazine’s executive editor, John Nichols, and the conversation was highlighted on the cover of the September issue.

This October issue even includes a supportive endorsement for Mamdani from former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Vanden Heuvel emphasized that her contributions are made in a personal capacity, despite the magazine’s previous endorsement of Mamdani during the Democratic primary in May.

An interesting twist comes from her sister, Wendy Vanden Heuvel, a San Francisco-based producer, who also donated $25,000 to a super PAC called Onenyc, aimed at backing Mamdani.

Wendy’s contribution also funneled through a private firm, Persephone Group LLC, established in Delaware back in 2009.

Among other contributors to Mamdani’s PACs, Shanti Singham stands out; she is related to tech billionaire Neville Roy Singham, who’s currently being investigated regarding his affiliations with the Chinese Communist Party and various progressive groups.

Shanti Singham donated $1,000 back in June.

Her husband, Daniel Goodwin, also supported the PAC with a $3,500 donation. Notably, Shanti is a professor at Williams College, where she has expertise in history and Africana studies.

The younger generation is also taking initiative. Their daughter, Alicia Singham Goodwin, has spearheaded a campaign called “Jews for Zoran,” aimed at moderating Mamdani’s stance on Israel to attract more Jewish supporters.

This initiative collaborates with influential figures like City Commissioner Brad Lander and Rep. Jerry Nadler, hoping to sway more Jewish voters, including notable senators.

In another significant contribution, Sara Rahnama, a professor at Morgan State University, donated $75,000 to the PAC. Rahnama has previously authored columns critiquing Israel and has raised questions regarding narratives around violence during recent conflicts.

Public records indicate that she is married to tech investor Idris Mokhtarzada.

The New Yorker PAC has a financial footprint, having spent $1.3 million on campaigns and raising an additional million leading up to the June primary, with substantial backing from California-based billionaire philanthropist Elizabeth Simons.