From rags to riches.
After several months without any of the candidates for Brooklyn Borough President receiving any public matching funds, the top four candidates of 12 running to succeed term-limited Borough President Eric Adams today, Feb. 16 received taxpayer windfalls through the city’s Campaign Finance Board’s (CFB) latest filings.
In order to receive the $8-to-$1 public financing match for the Brooklyn Borough President’s race, candidates must reach a threshold of raising $50,000 with contributions of $175 or less to be eligible for the matching funds. Additionally, none of the contributions can come from people or entities with business before the city. The borough president’s office is the toughest threshold to reach.
City Councilmember Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) leads the pack with $576,507 in public funds distributed to his campaign today. Combined with donations he’s raised about $937,000 this filing. Cornegy said the journey to come back from COVID and build a better Brooklyn continues.
“I am so honored to earn this outpouring of support of such a diverse coalition of grassroots donors, distinguished voices, and committed public servants,” said Cornegy. “From the 24,000 hardworking men and women of Teamsters 237, to elected officials fighting for the people of Brooklyn across the borough, to cultural icons and inspirational social justice champions like Spike Lee and Tracy Morgan — this is a growing grassroots movement that knows Brooklyn’s best days lie ahead.”
Just behind Cornegy is health advocate Khari Edwards, who reeled in a cool $491,182.
“I am proud of the unprecedented level of grassroots support our campaign has built across Brooklyn and I know that our momentum, which easily rivals that of the politicians in this race, will only continue to grow stronger,” said Edwards, who was the first VP of color for External Affairs at Brookdale Hospital and not necessarily a politician.
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (D-Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill) came in third with $481,224, and trailing is City Councilmember Antonio Reynoso (D-Williamsburg, Bushwick, Ridgewood) with $462,880.
“Our campaign has always been powered by the community, and we’re proud to have the most individual donors, the smallest average contribution size, and the highest percentage of donations from within the borough,” said Reynoso’s spokesperson. “Today’s public matching funds dispersal makes it clear that we have the support of everyday Brooklynites in this race — not special interests or real estate developers. We are confident that we will raise what we need to win while continuing to expand our grassroots fundraising base.”
Cornegy, Simon, Edwards, and Reynoso also lead the pack in private funds as well.
Candidates filed their most recent disclosure reports on January 15. The CFB has paid a total of $37,778,768 to candidates citywide so far this election cycle, including previous payments in December and January, said CFB.
In the last round, there weren’t any matching funds doled out for the borough president race candidates. According to previous CFB figures Cornegy had raised $192,877 and put in for $50,886 for matching funds, but after a CFB review of the matching claims, the CFB decided he was short of the $50,000. Reynoso had raised $104,682, but only put in $46,420 for matching claims falling short of the $50,000 threshold.
The next opportunity for candidates to receive public funds is due on March 15, along with disclosure reports. There will be a public funds payment in April based on the disclosures filed in March. There are eight public fund payments scheduled prior to the primary election on June 22.
