New Campaign Dynamics in NYC Mayoral Race
Mayor Eric Adams is witnessing a significant increase in campaign contributions. However, former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Socialist Congressman Zoran Mamdani from Queens are making notable strides as the Democratic primary approaches, each managing formidable war chests in the millions. The financial records will be accessible soon.
Adams, who has opted to run as an independent after skipping the Democratic primary, seems to show renewed vigor after what some might consider a lackluster start to his campaign earlier this year. He was primarily supported by a small, dedicated team.
Recently, Adams raised a sum of $155,134 from a donation of $192 during the filing period between March 14 and May 19. This amount, while not significantly higher than previous cycles, does surpass the mere $18,967 he brought in from January 12 to March 13.
“This latest submission makes it obvious—our campaign is vibrant and proactive, laying the groundwork for success,” stated Todd Shapiro, a spokesperson for Adams.
“We’ve collected thousands of petitions across all boroughs, developed a strong early fundraising base, and are actively engaging with voters at political and civic events throughout the city.”
In total, Adams has raised $4.5 million for his reelection efforts, currently having about $2.7 million available.
On the other hand, Cuomo is gearing up for the Democratic primary on June 24 and is trying to leverage an additional $4 million through a public matching fund program. This initiative allows candidates to receive $8 for every dollar donated by New Yorkers, up to the initial $250 contribution.
However, the city’s campaign finance committee has withheld these funds amid suspicions regarding Adams’s campaign finance practices, despite his recent legal troubles being behind him.
Cuomo has amassed nearly $2.4 million since mid-March, receiving around 3,224 donations, leading among other contenders during this timeframe.
His campaign has garnered support from former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s allies, including a $2,100 contribution from his daughter, Emma Bloomberg.
Since launching his campaign on March 1, Cuomo has brought in $3.9 million in personal contributions and an additional $1.5 million from public matching funds.
If he’s successful in securing more public funding, his total campaign resources could rise to approximately $8.28 million, allowing him to join Mamdani and City Director Brad Lander as candidates reaching the city’s $7.9 million spending cap for the primary.
Cuomo’s campaign president, Bill Mallow, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, indicating a positive reception from the electorate.
Mamdani has reported raising $192,935 since March 14, contributing to an impressive overall haul of nearly $8.4 million in public matching funds. He also holds the highest cash on hand, totaling $4.5 million.
Other notable Democratic candidates include City Council President Adrian Adams, who raised $394,590 in the most recent cycle, bringing his total to $293,944. Candidates not directly affiliated with Mayor Adams are poised to access over $2.3 million in public matching funds.
Lander has approximately $1.5 million available after spending $4.7 million recently, largely on television advertising.
Former Secretary Scott Stringer has accumulated $100,769 in his mayoral bid since mid-March, spending nearly $1 million on promotions, leaving him with about $2.8 million on hand.
Finally, Curtis Sliwa, the presumed Republican candidate and founder of the Guardian Angels, has raised $223,182, though he faces minimal challenge in the current political landscape.
