A Chinese-born auto executive with connections to the Chinese Communist Party has contributed over $65,000 to Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s campaign for governor in New Jersey. This news comes as Republican contender Jack Ciattarelli ramps up scrutiny of her campaign as the election intensifies.
Federal Election Commission filings reveal that Ping Ni, president of Wangshan America Corp., donated $60,000 to One Giant Leap, a super PAC backing Sherrill’s gubernatorial run. Additionally, in June, he contributed $5,800 directly to her campaign, the maximum allowable under federal law.
It’s somewhat unclear whether Ni is eligible to make these donations. He possesses a U.S. Social Security number, but there’s no confirmation on whether he is a permanent resident or a citizen, both of which are necessary for campaign contributions.
Wangshan America is the American branch of Wanxiang Group, the largest auto parts manufacturer in China. The late founder, Lu Guanqiu, was regarded by the Chinese government as an esteemed member of the Communist Party. Today, his son, Lu Weiding, and son-in-law, Ni, manage the company. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) has previously expressed concerns about Wanxiang Group’s close ties to the Chinese Communist Party, highlighting its history of collaboration with Chinese government entities.
Ni has also donated to other political campaigns, including $14,500 to Sherrill’s congressional efforts in recent elections, and he has contributed to both Democratic and Republican committees nationwide. Notably, he donated $6,000 to the Republican National Committee in August.
In May 2024, Ni remarked that many U.S. business partners hesitate to work with Chinese companies, fearing potential government-related issues down the line.
The political landscape is heated, especially after recent controversies surrounding Sherrill’s comments and history. During a recent debate, she accused Ciattarelli of being responsible for many deaths related to the opioid crisis through his past roles, and Ciattarelli’s campaign has announced plans to pursue defamation charges against her.
Moreover, Sherrill faces scrutiny regarding her Naval Academy background, which was expunged due to her involvement in a cheating scandal that led to her being banned from walking at her graduation in 1994. There are also concerns about her two children attending the Naval Academy and her previous criticisms of U.S. military deployments.
The race between Sherrill and Ciattarelli appears very tight, with polls indicating the contest falls within the margin of error. Former President Trump has openly supported Ciattarelli, and a recent Emerson College and The Hill poll shows both candidates with nearly equal approval ratings of around 43%.
Concerns surrounding donations linked to the Chinese Communist Party have sparked widespread public interest in China’s influence on American politics. Earlier investigations have uncovered instances of Chinese officials donating to Democratic candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, as well as findings from the House Oversight Committee on activities related to the Communist Party targeting U.S. civil servants.
