This article is adapted from our April 17 edition of RANKED CHOICES, THE CITY’s weekly election newsletter. Click here to sign up.
Dear New Yorkers,
Your Inside Look at the Big Money in Local Politics
This week, the spotlight is on **money—and not just any money, but millions in taxpayer-supported matching funds** for five mayoral candidates, as disclosed by the city’s Campaign Finance Board. Among the candidates, however, a notable name is **missing: frontrunner Andrew Cuomo**. His campaign has attributed this unexpected gap to a **technical error** that delayed his qualification for matching dollars. Curious about the rest? You can explore the **matching-fund hauls** from other candidates, including independent Jim Walden and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, who’s impressively maxed out on fundraising!
Independent Expenditures: The Silent Powerhouses
While Cuomo’s campaign may feel the pinch, there’s **no financial drought** when it comes to promoting his message. Enter New York’s stealthy giants: **Independent Expenditures (IEs)**. These local political action committees, operating in the background, **significantly raise and spend funds** on behalf of candidates, often resembling a dedicated fan club for politicians.
One particular IE—**Fix the City**—is flexing its financial muscles, boasting nearly **$5 million raised** to fuel its campaign efforts. This influx is already visible through advertisements, such as those I couldn’t help but notice during NBC New York’s 5 p.m. news.
For a deeper dive into **what IEs are**, **why they hold substantial influence in elections**, and how you can scrutinize the funding for those ads and flyers bombarding your feeds, take a look at **THE CITY’s comprehensive guide on IEs** here.
Buckle Up: Major Spending Ahead
As we gear up for the coming weeks, expect a **marked increase in spending** from these major political IEs. The stakes are high, and the fervor is palpable!
In equally thrilling news, we’re excited to announce our role in co-hosting several **official debates** for both the primary and general elections this year! Don’t miss the pivotal debate on **June 12** featuring leading Democratic primary candidates for mayor, broadcasting live on NY1, alongside our esteemed partners—NY1, Spectrum Noticias, WNYC/Gothamist, and others. Be sure to check out the **full calendar of debates** and mark your calendars! Here’s the link.
What We’re Reading …
- Reports indicate that some residents in Queens have accused candidates of **forging signatures** on ballot petitions, affecting multiple positions including comptroller and public advocate. Read more here.
- While he hasn’t secured matching funds (yet), Cuomo has gained momentum with several **major labor endorsements**, snagging two significant new backers this past week.
What’s Ahead …
Days until the **June primary**: 68
April 29: A special election will be held to replace Councilmember Joseph Borelli in City Council District 51. Are you part of that Staten Island district? You can find your district here.
May 1: Election officials will certify the primary ballot, marking the moment when we’ll know **exactly who is on the ballot** for upcoming elections!
Your Election Questions, Answered
❓Reader Matt M. asked: “Doesn’t the winner of the general election for mayor in November need at least 40% of the vote to win, triggering a top-two runoff if this isn’t achieved?”
Answer: You’re recalling a past system! In our current November general elections, the winner is determined by a simple plurality—whoever garners the most votes wins, even if they secure just **40% or less**. A reminder that there could be as many as **five candidates** in this year’s general election! Learn more here.
Have further questions for our election team? Please feel free to reply or send inquiries to [email protected].
The Campaign Kicker
Congratulations are in order for the city’s Board of Elections, whose **”Battle of the Boroughs” voting stickers** won them one of the coveted awards known as “The Clearies.” This initiative successfully **boosted voter participation**, and it’s fantastic to see such impactful outreach.
