In a significant update from the city’s Campaign Finance Board, five mayoral candidates are set to receive millions in taxpayer-supported matching funds.
Notably absent from this list is frontrunner Andrew Cuomo, whose campaign has attributed the delay in qualifying for matching dollars to a technical error.
Additional candidates eligible for the matching funds include independent Jim Walden and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, who has now maxed out his fundraising efforts.
Despite not securing these matching funds yet, Cuomo’s campaign is not in danger of running dry when it comes to promoting his candidacy.
This is largely due to the involvement of New York’s local political action committees, known as independent expenditures (IEs).
IEs work separately from campaigns, raising and spending significant amounts of money to support particular candidates, akin to a candidate-specific fan club.
In Cuomo’s case, the supportive IE, Fix the City, has already amassed nearly $5 million, which has been funneled into television advertisement campaigns.
These ads emerged prominently during NBC New York’s 5 p.m. news this week, indicating a substantial push to promote Cuomo’s campaign message.
Rachel Holliday Smith from THE CITY has authored a guide detailing the role and importance of independent expenditures.
The guide also explains how voters can investigate the various groups funding the ads and promotional materials they encounter during this election season.
As the election approaches, it is expected that expenditures from major IEs in the city will significantly increase, amplifying candidates’ outreach efforts.
In other exciting news, THE CITY has announced that they will co-host several official debates for both the primary and general elections this year.
One of the key debates is scheduled for June 12, which will feature leading Democratic primary candidates for mayor.
This debate will air on NY1, in collaboration with partners including NY1, Spectrum Noticias, WNYC/Gothamist, among others.
For those interested, a full calendar of the debates has been made available — be sure to mark your calendars!
In current developments, tensions appear to be escalating between Mayor Eric Adams’ administration and the City Council.
They are currently in a dispute regarding preparedness for potential budget cuts stemming from the Trump administration and the presence of immigration enforcement personnel on Rikers Island.
Allegations are also being made by some Queens residents regarding forged signatures on ballot petitions for various candidates, including those running for comptroller and public advocate.
Although Cuomo has yet to secure matching funds, he has garnered numerous endorsements from labor organizations, including two substantial endorsements this week.
Adding another layer of intrigue, it has been reported by Hellgate that a portion of Cuomo’s housing plan may have been drafted using ChatGPT.
As the election season progresses, here’s a look at what’s ahead:
There are 68 days left until the June primary election.
On April 29, there will be a special election to replace Councilmember Joseph Borelli in City Council District 51.
If you are located in that Staten Island district, you can find out more details here.
Then, on May 1, election officials are set to certify the primary ballot, providing clarity on precisely who will appear on the ballot.
In response to a reader inquiry, it was confirmed that the winner of the general election for Mayor in November does not have to achieve a minimum of 40% of the vote to win.
Unlike the previous system used for primaries, New York’s November general elections are decided by a plurality, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they obtain 40% or more.
This year, it is also noted that there could be up to five candidates running in the general election.
For any additional questions or clarifications regarding the election, readers are encouraged to reach out via email or direct their inquiries to [email protected].
Lastly, congratulations are in order for the city’s Board of Elections for their innovative “Battle of the Boroughs” voting stickers, which recently received a prestigious award known as “The Clearies” for their effective outreach in boosting voter participation.
Such initiatives are commendable and play an essential role in engaging the electorate and enhancing democracy.
image source from：https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/04/18/money-local-politics-independent-expenditure-newsletter/
