In a surprising turn of events, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been denied public matching funds for his 2025 reelection campaign. The decision, announced by the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB), comes as a significant blow to Adams’ campaign efforts, especially as he faces a federal corruption indictment.
The CFB’s decision to withhold matching funds from Adams’ campaign is rooted in allegations of misconduct. The board cited Adams’ ongoing federal indictment, which includes charges of soliciting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish government operatives during his 2021 mayoral campaign. The indictment alleges that Adams traded political favors for these contributions, a serious breach of public trust.
The denial of matching funds is a major setback for Adams, who is now left to fend off more than a half dozen challengers in the upcoming Democratic primary without the financial support he had anticipated.
The allegations against Adams have cast a shadow over his administration and raised questions about his integrity and suitability for office. His surprising recent alignment with the newly elected Donald Trump on a tougher immigration stand and a possible revocation of New York’s status as a sanctuary city, smacks of ingratiating himself for the purpose of eventually requesting a pardon. Indeed, Trump has already announced that he is “looking into it.” When asked at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago whether he might consider a pardon for Adams, Trump replied, “Yeah, I would. I think that he was treated pretty unfairly.”
Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, the indictment has already had significant repercussions. Numerous high-profile officials within Adams’ administration have resigned, and the mayor’s campaign has struggled to maintain its footing amid the ongoing legal battles. On Monday, sources stated that Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a former top aide to New York Mayor Eric Adams, expects to be indicted on criminal charges related to alleged improper gifts. She has however, declared, “I have never taken any gifts, money, anything.”
The denial of matching funds means that Adams’ campaign will have to rely more heavily on private donations and other fundraising efforts. This could put him at a disadvantage compared to his opponents, who may have access to public funds to bolster their campaigns. Scott Stringer, a former city comptroller, has already been cleared to receive approximately $2.8 million in matching funds, providing him with a substantial financial boost.
Adams’ campaign has expressed disappointment with the CFB’s decision but remains confident in its ability to compete. Vito Pitta, Adams’ campaign compliance attorney, stated that they will continue to work with the board to address any issues and ensure that funds can be appropriately disbursed in the future.
The upcoming primary will be a critical test of his ability to overcome these obstacles and secure a second term as mayor.
