As the 45th District City Council primary election goes into the homestretch on a racetrack as dirty and muddy as Churchill Downs on a rainswept Kentucky afternoon, City Council Member Farah Louis picked up the endorsement of Mayor Bill de Blasio, while challenger Monique Chandler-Waterman has raised more money from small donors.
That after the Campaign Finance Board (CFB) released their payment of public matching funds today for the election. Chandler-Waterman received the maximum $142,500 in public matching funds to qualifying city council candidates at a matching rate of $8-to-$1 for the first $175 that city council residents contribute.
Louis was close behind in receiving $131,392 for a primary election in which taxpayers shelled out more than a quarter of $1 million ($273,892).
To qualify for public matching funds, candidates must meet the nonpartisan objective criteria set in the law. In the election, candidates must receive a minimum of 75 contributions from residents of the 45th City Council District, and must receive at least $5,000 in match-eligible contributions from city residents. Only the match-eligible portion of any contribution may count towards the threshold.
“I am proud to say my campaign is a grassroots campaign that relies on the community, not developers, the PBA or the Sergeants Benevolent Association. When I decided to enter this race it was based on— among other things— my community’s need for affordable housing and a fair justice system. We continue to run a clean campaign based on indisputable facts, and the voices of the community. I am thankful for this groundswell of support and will continue to be a real Democrat who speaks up for the entire community,” said Chandler-Waterman.
| Candidate | May 31 Payment |
June 7 Payment | June 20 Payment |
Total Received |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexis, Anthony | — | — | — | — |
| Chandler-Waterman, Monique R | $49,628 | $16,948 | $75,924 | $142,500* |
| Louis, Farah N | — | $75,308 | $56,084 | $131,392 |
| Rose, Xamayla D | — | — | — | — |
| Total | $49,628 | $92,256 | $132,008 | $273,892 |
While Chandler-Waterman won a close small dollar donation victory, Louis, yesterday landed the big fish of endorsements – Mayor Bill de Blasio. The mayor, many political pundits speculate, was likely swayed when Louis’ mentor, Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park), wrote a glowing endorsement of de Blasio for President.
“Farah Louis is an impressive, hard-working leader in her community,” said de Blasio. “I have witnessed her strength in serving her community and her work in the City Council. I look forward to our partnership in making our city a fairer and safer place to be. I am proud to endorse Farah Louis for her re-election to the City Council.”
“I am excited and honored to receive an endorsement from the mayor of New York City and presidential candidate Bill de Blasio,” said Louis. “I applaud his efforts to make this city a more accessible and equitable place. I am eager to collaborate on policy to secure more affordable housing, quality health care, and resources for education in the 45th district and beyond. Thank you, Mayor de Blasio!”
The district includes East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, and Midwood. The election is next Tuesday, June 25.
