The campaigns of mayoral candidates Eric Adams and Scott Stringer along with Comptroller candidate Brad Lander hauled in over $10 million collectively in taxpayer money as the city’s Campaign Finance Board doled out a total of $17.3 million in public financing to candidates in the coming 2021 citywide election.
In order to receive the $8-to-$1 public financing match for the mayor’s race, candidates must reach a threshold of raising at least $250,00 in contributions up to $250. to be eligible for the matching funds. Under this threshold, Adams, the current Brooklyn Borough President, received $4,388,102 in matching funds and Stringer, the current city comptroller received $3,330,535 in their respective race to become the next mayor.
“I am so proud of our campaign for reaching this fundraising milestone—and for doing it the right way. Every day New Yorkers making low-dollar contributions have powered our movement from the beginning. Thousands of New Yorkers who gave only what they could to our campaign may have each made small contributions, but now, together, their voice is big. We have received nearly 7,000 contributions from New Yorkers from every walk of life who live in every corner of our city—and low-dollar donations from working people make up the vast majority of what we have raised,” said Adams.
“This campaign is about a better future for working people and those who are struggling, where more effective government and a fairer economy drive growth and better quality of life for all, not just the few. I am honored to have the support of New Yorkers like me, who have faced hardships but still believe in this city and its limitless potential when we are united behind strong, clear leadership,” he added.
“Comptroller Stringer is running for mayor to fight for the people of New York, not the wealthy elite and powerful special interests. We’re proud to be part of the most progressive campaign finance system in the country, and we’re thrilled with the momentum behind our grassroots campaign,” said Stringer campaign spokesperson Cameron Hellerman.
In order to receive the $8-to-$1 public financing match for the comptroller’s race, candidates must reach a threshold of raising at least $125,000 in contributions up to $250. to be eligible for the matching funds. Under this threshold, Lander, a current city councilmember, received $2,344,442, and was the only comptroller candidate to receive matching funds.
“I’m honored to have earned the support of thousands of New Yorkers, who are putting their trust in me as the candidate best suited to ensure that NYC’s recovery from this crisis centers those who have been most marginalized and secures a just and equitable future for all New Yorkers,” said Lander.
Among the comptroller candidates who did not receive matching funds was Harlem State Sen. Brian Benjamin, who has raised $462,327 so far for his campaign, but his campaign said this was for technical reasons.
“Today the Campaign Finance Board informed us of an amendment they would like us to make to a previous filing. Once this is made we will receive our currently qualified match on January 15, which will be in excess of $1 million,” said Benjamin campaign spokesperson Timothy Costa.
There will also be a public funds payment in February based on disclosures filed on that date. There are eight public fund payments scheduled prior to the primary election on June 22, 2021.
