New York City Mayor Adams denied matching funds for reelection bid
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The New York City Campaign Finance Board is denying public matching funds for Mayor Eric Adams' reelection bid.
Nineteen candidates were given matching funds for their 2025 campaigns but Adams was not one of them.
The board rarely gives public comment as to why a candidate is not getting funds but they made a rare exception.
The board chair said it's in the public interest that he speaks out about the reasoning behind the decision.
"After thoroughly reviewing all available information, including the details of the indictment of Mayor Adams, the board has determined that there is reason to believe the Adams campaign has engaged in conduct detrimental to the matching funds program in violation of law, including the campaign Finance Act and board rules," Frederick P. Schaffer, board chair, said.
The "matching funds program" works like this - For every dollar you give to a campaign, the city matches it with another eight dollars in taxpayer funds. So a $250 dollar donation quickly turns into 2,000 dollars.
It's a way to level the playing field for every day New Yorkers that don't have rich corporate backers to run for office. Not receiving the funds can be a major blow to a campaign.
Eyewitness News has reported about how the mayor has not tied-up financial loose ends from his last campaign.
We obtained the finance board draft audit of the mayor's 2021 campaign expenses.
It shows Adams' campaign failed to document more than 2.2 million dollars in expenses.
The board requested more documents involving expenses ranging from TV ads, to consulting contracts, to car repairs.
The finance board on Monday said his campaign has failed to hand over those documents.
We reached out to the mayor's campaign for a statement.
"While today's ruling by CFB to withhold matching funds at this time is disappointing, we will continue to work with the board to address any issues so that funds can be appropriately disbursed," Vito R. Pitta, Adams 2025 campaign counsel, wrote. "The mayor's campaign continues to have far more resources than his opponents and we are very confident we will have the support we need to spend the maximum amount allowable in the upcoming primary.?
The board approves the use of funds numerous times a year, so this situation could change in the future.
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
