Mayor Eric Adams speaks to the media at the Twin Parks North West apartment building in the Bronx Jan. 10, 2022
© John David Mercer-USA TODAY + © The Journal News-USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) – In a blow to his re-election bid, Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign has been denied matching funds by the New York City Campaign Finance Board. Nineteen other candidates were granted matching funds. Under the city’s structure, donations that remain below a certain amount are eligible for public matching — via taxpayer funds. But Adams’ re-election campaign won’t have that benefit, all while the mayor faces a trial, amid an indictment alleging corruption and bribery.
It’s rare for the campaign finance board to comment on denials of funds, but in this instance they’re making a comment about the decision. The board chair released a statement that reads in part: “After thoroughly reviewing all available information, including the details of the indictment of Mayor Adams, the board has determined that there is reason to believe the Adams campaign has engaged in conduct detrimental to the matching funds program in violation of law, including the campaign Finance Act and board rules.”
Adams has pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces. In the meantime, members of his inner circle have faced investigations — and some have resigned their positions. That includes Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who just stepped down this weekend.
As part of its most recent actions, the campaign finance board required new training that campaigns must undergo in order to remain compliant.
Finally, Eyewitness News reports that an audit of Adams’ 2021 campaign expenses shows a failure to document more than $2.2 million in expenses. And the campaign finance board has said Adams’ campaign never provided proper documentation regarding the 2021 campaign’s finances.
