Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has donated $250,000 to a Super PAC supporting Andrew Cuomo’s campaign for New York City mayor, according to a recent campaign finance disclosure.
Ackman, a longtime Democrat who recently announced his support for President Trump, has made a donation to amend the City, a political action committee that supports Cuomo, a former governor who garnered support from those who belonged to the GOP when he attempted a political revival.
Ackman’s contribution, This was first reported by Politicohelped the pro-Cuomo PAC to exceed $4.8 million in total funding, giving the former governor a significant advantage over his more progressive rivals.
New Yorkers for Better Leadership, a super PAC formed to oppose Cuomo’s candidacy, reported only one of the qualifying contributions – a $1,000 donation from climate technology investor Thomas O’Keefe reported,
Other anti-Khaomo groups are also raising limited funds.
The low-cost New Yorker supporting Democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani has brought just $56,500. Meanwhile, the group operating under the slogan “Don’t rank evil Andrew for the mayor” reports just $10,500 with substantial contributions.
By comparison, the city has attracted 71 large donors since early March, including heavyweights in the real estate and business sectors.
Among the most notable recent contributors are developers Kamran and Frederick Elghanayan of TF Cornerstone ($25,000 each). Packaging Magneto Dennis Mehiel ($50,000); Andrew Sidamon Ellistof is a Republican who served as state treasurer for New Jersey under former Gov. Chris Christie ($5,000).
These donations highlight Cuomo’s appeal to the financial elite leading in the early mayoral vote.
Ackman’s support further demonstrates the extraordinary political alliance formed in the race.
Known for his honest views, Ackman has garnered criticism of the opposing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, urging regular protests from civil rights leader Al Sharpton.
He recently broke with Trump on tariffs, but he quickly praised the former president’s decision to delay new taxes, calling it a “great execution,” and praised it as “textbooks, art of art.”
Ackman and Fix The City declined to comment on the donation.
His political activities spanned both major political parties. In addition to Cuomo’s support, he gave fellow Harvard graduate Whitney Tilson $2,034 to long-term Democratic candidate Whitney Tilson and $250,000 to Ray McGuire’s Super PAC during the 2021 mayoral race.
Cuomo’s fundraiser drew backlash from enemies who claim that his donor base is a step away with progressive democratic values.
“No one is surprised that Trump’s agent Ackman is bankrolling Cuomo’s Super PAC,” said Dora Peckek, city director and mayor’s hopeful Brad Lander spokesman.
“Cuomo himself has accepted thousands of people with donations from Maga donors who helped Trump elect.”
Lauren Hitt spoke for New Yorkers for better leadership and claimed there was room for a well-funded challenge.
“Cuomo is still very beaten,” she said. “His lead is primarily rooted in the fact that his challenger is virtually unknown.”
Previous supporters of Fix The City include Entertainment Mogul Bally Dealer, Walmart heir Alice Walton, and singer Billy Joel, a longtime friend of Cuomo.
The PAC is run by longtime Cuomo confidant Steven Cohen.
Mayoral candidates for the city’s Matching Fund Program are facing a $2,100 donation cap, but Super PACs can accept unlimited donations as long as they are independent of the campaign.
This post is being asked for comment from Ackman and Cuomo.
