A super PAC backing Zoran Mamdani has reportedly offered significant positions, including a commissioner role in New York City, to a prominent Hispanic business leader if he manages to raise up to $1 million just three days before the mayoral election, sources told the Post.
Frank Garcia, who leads the New York State Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, described receiving an unexpected “pay-to-play” proposal from Irfan Verjee. Mamdani achieved a notable victory on October 17, just weeks ahead of the election.
Verjee, in his capacity as CEO of Shomax Energy, mentioned the possibility of joining a business advisory board for the political action committee OneNYC, which has funded advertisements to support socialist Paul’s campaign with over $500,000.
While meeting at 5 Acres Restaurant in Rockefeller Center, Garcia declined Verjee’s proposition three times, recalling the exchanges during a recent interview.
“I yelled, ‘No way! I’m not going to ‘pay to play!’” Garcia, 56, said, emphasizing his determination not to jeopardize his integrity.
Garcia believes he was approached for his success in reducing food costs at minority-owned shops through bulk-buying groups he established, voicing concerns about Mamdani’s “Soviet-style” vision for city-run grocery stores.
Initially, Verjee had inquired if Garcia would consider becoming the city’s small business services director, a role with a salary of $227,786. Garcia indicated he wasn’t interested in that position or any other in a potential Mamdani administration.
Garcia said he was more inclined to assist on Mamdani’s transition team, hoping to influence changes that would recognize bodegas and supermarkets as “minority-owned businesses,” allowing them to access related benefits.
Verjee also suggested Garcia take on a leadership role for the transition team focused on small businesses, to which Garcia agreed, provided it would benefit those businesses.
Yet, Garcia mentioned that Verjee initially gave the impression he would be part of the committee if he backed Mamdani—but Garcia would support Mamdani regardless.
At the conclusion of their meeting, Garcia recounted Verjee asking, “How much money can we raise?” He reminded Verjee of the legal limitations on nonprofits like his chamber concerning political campaign fundraising, stating his intention to step down as chairman to form a new super PAC aimed at aiding minority businesses.
Garcia indicated that a new PAC could potentially secure between $500,000 and $1 million monthly, presenting a serious offer to Verjee.
Witnesses reported that Verjee suggested needing funds within three days “in exchange for a seat at the table” regarding future policy decisions for Mamdani’s administration.
While Verjee did not specify an amount, both men gathered from the conversation that the expectation was raising between $500,000 and $1 million within that timeframe.
Garcia expressed his disbelief, saying, “I asked him for clarification three times because I couldn’t believe it,” underscoring his shock at such an overt proposal.
Following the meeting, Verjee allegedly contacted another business leader within the Asian community, seeking help to mediate the situation with Garcia, stressing it was in everyone’s best interests to have Mamdani in office.
Garcia, disturbed by the implications and referred to as a “street hustler,” later wrote to Mamdani on November 13, detailing his shock over the incident and the “paid offer” made by Verjee.
In his message, Garcia emphasized the offense taken not just personally but on behalf of countless Hispanic and minority entrepreneurs he represents. He urged the future mayor to meet privately within two weeks to discuss the integrity of Mamdani’s commitment to inclusivity and equity.
After not receiving a response from Mamdani, Garcia took the matter public.
Although campaign finance regulations prohibit coordination between a candidate’s campaign and super PACs, individuals leading such fundraising efforts may still join the transition teams if their candidate wins.
Yasser Salem, chief of OneNYC, was among over 400 supporters of Mamdani appointed to 17 transition committees aimed at establishing leadership within the new administration. Salem is associated with Gila Ventures and participates in key economic and workforce committees.
Verjee was not assigned to any transition committee and had no formal ties to Mamdani’s campaign, merely being linked to the super PAC.
Neither Verjee nor Salem responded to requests for comment.
A spokesperson for Mamdani’s transition team asserted that they do not associate with Verjee and dismissed any claims suggesting otherwise, framing such assertions as directly contradictory to their commitment to transparency and combating corruption.
OneNYC isn’t the only super PAC supporting Mamdani, as records show efforts to lower costs raised over $3 million, primarily from substantial out-of-state donations.
