A prominent democratic socialist in the U.S. has a partner linked to a designated terrorist group, while also holding a position within New York City’s administration. As a member of the Campaign Finance Board, he has access to confidential information that could influence candidate operations.
Many New Yorkers might not think too deeply about the city’s campaign finance committee. But perhaps they should reconsider.
In a surprising turn, Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old congressman, outperformed former governor Andrew Cuomo in a recent Emerson College poll released just before the Democratic primary.
Mamdani has reportedly secured millions in funding from the board, surpassing other candidates.
The Campaign Finance Committee was designed to act as a neutral watchdog, ensuring that candidates disclose their donors and are eligible for public matching funds.
However, David Duhalde, a senior liaison at the board and a known member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), plays a significant role in Mamdani’s candidacy, as indicated by his social media presence.
Duhalde’s position grants him access to critical information about mayoral contenders, which could potentially allow him to sway the enforcement of compliance rules.
He has previously interacted with selected candidates, including Mamdani. In 2022, he reportedly reached out to those seeking event spaces.
A longtime DSA organizer, Duhalde resigned from his fund chair position earlier this year. He mentioned that stepping down was a tough choice but necessary for focusing more on his public sector union work.
Duhalde framed the DSA Fund’s mission as cultivating a network of elected officials who collaborate to advance DSA’s broader goals.
He emphasized that this network aims to share strategies across state lines and push for transformative legislation. Soon after elections, the DSA Fund organized a webinar discussing tactics to protect communities against threats posed by the Trump administration.
Duhalde is also involved with the DSA’s International Committee, which influences how the organization addresses issues like war and justice. Historically, the DSA has taken stances against U.S. foreign policy and has aligned with controversial regimes.
Members of this committee have traveled to nations such as Cuba and Venezuela to meet with officials, including figures like Nicolás Maduro.
When facing potential criticism, DSA leadership has sometimes sent committee members abroad to manage public perception.
While most New Yorkers view the DSA as a force for social change—advocating for rent control, public housing, and universal healthcare—there’s a lack of awareness about their associations with groups labeled as terrorist organizations.
Duhalde’s partner, Michelle Munjanattu, has links to Samidoun, a recognized front for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which the State Department identifies as a terrorist organization.
Despite recent efforts to remove her name from online spaces following this designation, she appears to have overlooked some traces, revealing her connections.
There’s a rising concern among New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds regarding the integrity of elections and institutional neutrality, rather than favoritism towards those closely tied to insider networks.
Experts voice worries that DSA members might gain undue access to sensitive information regarding Mamdani’s competitors.
Concerns over affiliations with extremist groups are being raised in discussions about public trust. Although personal associations shouldn’t automatically disqualify someone, the integrity of government positions must be preserved.
Recently, Duhalde updated his LinkedIn profile to state that he is “released from the NYC Campaign Finance Committee.” However, he remains on the payroll and participates in a union program that allows him to keep this employment.
He did not reply to requests for comment.
