Good Government Groups Commend NYC Campaign Finance Board For Upholding High Standard For Matching Funds

NEW YORK, NY (08/06/2025) (readMedia)-- Today, following the New York City Campaign Finance Board's (CFB) determination regarding disbursement of matching funds to the 2025 Mayoral campaign, Common Cause New York Executive Director Susan Lerner and Reinvent Albany Executive Director John Kaehny issued the following statement commending the Board for protecting the integrity of the matching funds program:

"Common Cause/NY and Reinvent Albany commend the Campaign Finance Board for standing strong and holding candidates accountable when they attempt to circumvent the law. We believe the CFB is acting impartially and thoughtfully, and is correctly interpreting both the spirit and letter of New York City campaign finance laws. We urge them to continue protecting the public's faith in the public financing system and deny matching funds to candidates who misuse it."

Background

New York City's public matching fund program allows candidates to receive an 8-to-1 match for any small-dollar contribution up to $250. The program sets a maximum amount that participating campaigns can spend on their race, and limits on how they can spend that money. This year, the Board has repeatedly denied matching funds to candidates who did not comply with the requirements of New York City's campaign finance laws for accurate campaign records, as well as responding to timely requests for information.