The Campaign Finance Board may find that Mayor Eric Adams breached rules and may have to return $10 million in public funds received during his 2021 campaign due to allegations of campaign finance fraud. The board is considering whether Adams submitted fraudulent claims for matching funds and he has a chance to petition before a final determination is made. The indictment alleges illegal donations triggered matching funds, including from foreign sources tied to the Turkish government. Adams’ 2025 campaign disclosures show a significant portion of contributions claimed for matching funds were tagged as invalid. If found in breach, Adams would have to return public funds and could be ineligible for future funds. His re-election bid faced slowed donations after the indictment and he faces a trial starting in April. Adams’ lawyer has requested a delay until after a date linked to Donald Trump possibly returning to the presidency, who has indicated considering pardoning Adams. Adams’ campaign lawyer has expressed plans to work with the CFB to regain approval for matching funds.
In a recent development, the Campaign Finance Board of New York City has issued a warning to Mayor Eric Adams regarding a potential breach of rules related to receiving public matching funds. The board’s findings suggest that Adams may have to return the $10 million in taxpayer funds that he received during his 2021 campaign. Mayor Adams has the opportunity to present a petition to the CFB before a final decision is made.
The board’s letter to Adams’ 2025 campaign highlights allegations of campaign finance fraud mentioned in a federal indictment against Adams. This includes concerns about whether fraudulent claims for matching funds were knowingly submitted during his initial mayoral campaign. Danielle Willemin, the CFB’s director of auditing and accounting, mentioned that the issues outlined in the indictment could lead to a breach of certification if substantial fraudulent contribution claims were included in the campaign’s disclosure statement.
The indictment alleges that illegal donations, including those from foreign sources linked to the Turkish government through illegal “straw donors,” were used to trigger matching funds for Adams’ 2021 campaign. A review of Adams’ 2025 disclosures revealed that CFB auditors had deemed about one third of the claimed contributions as invalid, totaling $139,000 out of $504,000 eligible for matching funds.
Under New York City’s campaign finance laws, a candidate found to be in breach of regulations must return all public funds received and may face ineligibility for public funds in future campaigns. Following the unsealing of the indictment by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in September, donations to Adams’ re-election bid significantly declined. The mayor’s legal defense fund faced a deficit as he grappled with escalating legal expenses.
As the primary approaches on June 24, Mayor Adams is preparing for a potential six-week trial starting on April 21, as estimated by prosecutors. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, has requested a postponement of court appearances until after January 20, coinciding with the speculated return of Donald Trump to the presidency. Trump has hinted at the possibility of pardoning Adams, expressing his belief that the mayor has been unfairly targeted by the Justice Department.
Adams’ campaign lawyer, Vito Pitta, has indicated a willingness to collaborate with the CFB to seek approval for matching funds moving forward. The outcome of the board’s final determination could have significant implications for Mayor Adams’ political future and financial standing. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold as the legal proceedings and campaign activities progress.
Source: TheCity.NYC
