Former governor and current mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo faces further financial setbacks in his campaign after an investigation by the city's Campaign Finance Board, which suggested improper coordination between his campaign and a billionaire-backed super PAC, "Fix the City." The point of contention centers on a pair of advertisements that the super PAC aired in support of Cuomo, totaling $1.3 million.
The Campaign Finance Board had already penalized Cuomo's campaign $622,056, an amount allegedly mirroring the expenditure for an ad distributed on May 4, suggesting that the campaign had possibly worked in tandem with the PAC, a move that is strictly prohibited. As Gothamist reported, a spokesperson for Fix the City asserted that the PAC conducts itself "in a manner that is both consistent with the law and makes the case that more than ever, Andrew Cuomo is the mayor for this moment."
Despite facing these financial hurdles, the Cuomo campaign still managed to acquire $1.5 million in public matching funds. However, additional scrutiny continues, with the potential for further repercussion. “The Board’s investigation into this matter is ongoing, and we will continue to evaluate the issue of improper coordination,” Campaign Finance Board member Richard Davis remarked, as noted by the New York Post. Cuomo's campaign has consistently maintained their adherence to all pertinent regulations.
The persistent allegations stem from a complaint filed by Myrie, a competing mayoral candidate, who accused Cuomo's campaign of using "redboxing" tactics wherein campaigns subtly suggest strategies to supportive PACs through content on their website. This strategy allows the campaign to indirectly guide the PAC's advertising efforts without any official communication. The controversy only deepens with DoorDash's recent $1 million donation to Fix the City, which was highlighted during a press conference led by another candidate, Brad Lander. Lander called attention to the donation and its implications for delivery worker rights in the city, fervently encouraging the Campaign Finance Board "to take a closer look at whether there was ongoing coordination" between the super PAC and Cuomo's campaign, as Gothamist reported.
Nevertheless, Cuomo's campaign appears to remain steadfast in light of the financial and regulatory tumult. “Our campaign’s momentum continues unabated: today we receive $1.5 million on top of the over $3.5 million we have raised in 71 days and are gratified to have the broadest coalition of supporters, and lead in every poll with voters in every borough, gender, race and ethnicity,” Cuomo's spokesperson Rich Azzopardi stated, as the New York Post covered. Despite such affirmations of compliance and support, the final judgment of the public and the continued investigation by the Campaign Finance Board will determine if Cuomo's mayoral campaign can sustain itself with integrity intact or if the infractions alleged will undermine his political aspirations.
