In a bombshell revelation that has ignited fresh controversy in New York’s heated mayoral contest, records from the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) indicate that frontrunner Zohran Mamdani’s campaign accepted nearly $13,000 in potentially illegal contributions from foreign donors. The disclosures, first reported by the New York Post, come just weeks before the November 4 election, raising questions about compliance with federal, state, and local laws that strictly prohibit non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents from funding American political campaigns.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist state assemblyman representing Queens’ 36th district, emerged as the surprise Democratic nominee after a stunning primary upset over incumbents like Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. His progressive platform—emphasizing affordable housing, police reform, and wealth taxes—has propelled him to a commanding lead in polls, with his campaign boasting $4 million in private donations matched by $12.7 million in public funds. Yet, this windfall now appears tainted by at least 170 contributions from overseas addresses, totaling $12,810 as of late September.
The Donations in Question
According to CFB filings reviewed by multiple outlets, the foreign influx began accelerating in June, coinciding with Mamdani’s primary surge. Donors hailed from diverse locales: Dubai, Australia, Canada, Germany, and beyond. Notable examples include:
- $2,100 from James Furlaud, an environmental scientist at Australia’s University of Tasmania.
- $2,100 from Ada Diaz Ahmed, a Dubai-based investor.
- $500 from Dr. Bariah Dardari, a pediatrician in Dubai—and Mamdani’s mother-in-law, married to his wife Rama Duwaji.
- $250 from Jun-Dai Bates Kobashigawa, with an address in an unspecified foreign location.
- $250 from Ugur Macit, apparently residing in Germany.
While some donors may hold dual U.S. citizenship—potentially making their gifts legal—the sheer volume and lack of immediate refunds have fueled suspicions. Campaigns are required to refund ineligible donations promptly, but Mamdani’s team has returned only about $5,600 so far, leaving 88 unreimbursed gifts worth $7,190 in limbo.
A campaign spokesperson issued a terse statement over the weekend: “We will of course return any donations that are not in compliance with CFB law.” However, they offered no timeline or explanation for the delays, prompting critics to decry a lack of transparency.
Legal Ramifications and Political Fallout
Under the Federal Election Campaign Act and New York City rules, only U.S. citizens or green card holders can contribute to local races. Knowingly accepting foreign money can trigger fines up to $10,000 per violation or even criminal charges, including imprisonment. The CFB, which is auditing all 2025 mayoral campaigns, has not yet commented specifically on Mamdani’s filings but confirmed the process is ongoing.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Mamdani, whose campaign has already weathered storms over his vocal criticism of Israel and refusal to sign a Holocaust condemnation resolution earlier this year. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, the Guardian Angels founder polling a distant third, pounced on the news: “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire… This is very problematic, not just for Zohran Mamdani, but anybody who has these kinds of PACs, because it’s a license to illegally funnel money. Foreign countries know you don’t have to go to war against America. All you gotta do is manipulate the election.”
Even within Democratic circles, the whispers are growing. Outgoing Mayor Adams, who exited the race amid his own federal corruption probe, accused the CFB of bias: “My campaign was denied matching funds over baseless allegations, while Mamdani’s received millions even after $13,000 in illegal foreign donations were uncovered.” Cuomo, now mounting an independent bid, has yet to weigh in publicly but sources close to him suggest the scandal could siphon votes from the left flank.
On X (formerly Twitter), the story exploded overnight, with users sharing infographics of the top foreign donors and memes lambasting Mamdani’s “globalist” ties. One viral post from activist @natalie_Zion_ quipped, “How shocking!! (Not) despite foreign donations being illegal in the US,” alongside a chart of the largest gifts. Conservative commentator Brandon Straka amplified the outrage: “This is really bad,” warning of “anti-American foreign adversaries” bankrolling the socialist’s bid.
Broader Implications for NYC Politics
This isn’t Mamdani’s first brush with finance scrutiny. Earlier reports flagged over $641,000 raised in three months from “hate pays” anti-Israel rallies, and his push to hike property taxes in “richer and whiter neighborhoods” has alienated moderates. Still, in deeply blue New York, where Democrats outnumber Republicans 7-to-1, experts doubt the scandal will derail his momentum. “It’s $13,000 in a $16 million war chest—peanuts,” said political analyst Sarah Longwell. “Voters care more about rent than refunds.”
Yet, for a candidate branding himself as a corruption-buster, the optics sting. As the CFB’s audit deepens, Mamdani’s team may face not just refunds but revelations. In a city weary of scandals—from Adams’ indictments to Cuomo’s ghosts—this foreign cash blip underscores a perennial truth: In the Big Apple, even small apples can bruise the tree.
The Mamdani campaign did not respond to requests for further comment by press time. The CFB urges affected donors to contact campaigns directly for reimbursements. As Election Day looms, one thing’s clear: New York’s mayoral marathon just hit a foreign pothole.
