Post by : Rameen Ariff

New York City, USA: Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is under scrutiny after reports surfaced that his campaign received nearly $13,000 (approx. Rs 11 lakh) from foreign sources, including a contribution from his mother-in-law in Dubai. This is controversial as US election law prohibits candidates from accepting funds from non-US citizens or residents.

According to NYC Campaign Finance Board records, Mamdani’s campaign received around 54,000 contributions in total, of which approximately 170 donations came from foreign sources. One notable foreign contribution was $2,100 (approx. Rs 1.74 lakh) from Ada Diaz Ahmed, an investor based in Dubai, in September.

Of these foreign donations, Mamdani’s campaign has not yet returned 88 contributions, totaling about $7,190 (approx. Rs 6 lakh). The campaign has issued a statement promising to return any donations that violate campaign finance laws, stating:
"We will, of course, return any donations that are not in compliance with CFB law."

Campaign Fundraising and Spending

Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign has raised significant funds:

• Rs 33.2 crore from private donations

• Rs 105.4 crore in public matching funds

Despite extensive spending on ads, events, and staff, the campaign reportedly has Rs 50.6 crore remaining. This fundraising is more than double what former Governor Andrew Cuomo raised in the same period (Rs 4.21 crore).

Political Reactions

Curtis Sliwa, the Republican mayoral candidate, expressed concern over the foreign donations, saying:
"Where there's smoke, there's fire, so I would be very concerned. There is probably a lot more in terms of foreign money."

Sliwa has previously called for a Department of Justice investigation, suspecting Mamdani’s campaign may be receiving support through “dark money” funneled illegally via foreign nationals into super PACs.

Public Perception

While some supporters defend Mamdani for running an inclusive campaign, critics argue that accepting foreign contributions, even inadvertently, could raise legal and ethical questions under US election law.

This controversy highlights the ongoing scrutiny of campaign finance in the New York City mayoral race, emphasizing the importance of compliance with election laws for all candidates.

#Global