The Voice News: NEW YORK — Mayor Eric Adams is pushing ahead with his longshot bid for reelection while Democratic frontrunner Andrew Cuomo continues to dominate in fundraising, according to new campaign finance reports.
Adams has raised $155,134 from 183 donors since mid-March, bringing his total to $4.6 million. He has spent $1.8 million and has $2.7 million remaining. All of his recent donations stayed within the $2,100 cap, keeping him eligible for public matching funds — though the city’s Campaign Finance Board has denied him access multiple times, citing federal investigations and paperwork errors. Adams is appealing and may pursue legal action.
Adams has spent campaign funds on voter data from the state Democratic Party, reimbursements for petitioning groups, and events at restaurants and law firms. Notably, he paid $10,000 to fundraiser Brianna Suggs, whose home was raided in a now-closed bribery investigation. In total, Suggs has received $460,160 from Adams’ campaign.
“Mayor Eric Adams is running full speed ahead,” said campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro. “This campaign is active, aggressive, and focused on victory.”
Adams, a Democrat, chose not to compete in the June 24 primary after a judge dismissed a case linked to President Trump’s Department of Justice. He is running as an independent in November, potentially facing Cuomo if the former governor secures the Democratic nomination. Cuomo currently leads in public polling.
Despite low approval ratings due to concerns over city quality of life and his perceived alignment with Republicans, Adams’ campaign believes he can gain momentum in the coming months. Like Cuomo, he has focused heavily on addressing antisemitism, even considering a ballot line dedicated to the issue.
Cuomo’s Campaign Surges
Cuomo has raised $3.9 million and spent $1.9 million since March. With matching funds, he retains $3.5 million. However, the Finance Board withheld $622,000 amid questions about coordination with the pro-Cuomo super PAC, Fix the City, which has raised over $9 million — including contributions from wealthy Trump supporters and city-regulated companies like DoorDash. The PAC has already spent $7.5 million on TV ads.
Key Cuomo fundraisers include:
Mitchell Moinian, investor: $154,500 from various industries
Nick Spano, ex-Republican state senator and lobbyist: $117,450
MaryAnne Gilmartin, real estate broker: $63,660
Eric Gertler, former Cuomo official and CEO of U.S. News & World Report: $61,655
Ken Sunshine, longtime Cuomo ally and PR strategist: $36,850
Notable donors include unions 32BJ SEIU and 1199SEIU, which each gave $2,100, and Emma Bloomberg, daughter of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Cuomo’s campaign has also paid $79,000 to Mercury Public Affairs, whose staff includes several campaign advisers.
Adrienne Adams and Others Join the Race
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has emerged as a serious Democratic challenger. Backed by Attorney General Letitia James and the city’s largest public-sector union, she claims to have qualified for matching funds. Since entering the race in March, she’s raised $520,627, spent $445,528, and has nearly $294,000 on hand. However, her limited budget has prevented her from launching TV ads, a key factor in a low-turnout election.
“New Yorkers want to move on from years of drama,” she said.
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has endorsed Adrienne Adams despite being a top fundraiser himself, with $4.5 million still in his account.
Other Democratic contenders include:
Scott Stringer, former Comptroller: $2.8 million on hand
Zellnor Myrie, state senator: $418,535 on hand
Brad Lander, current Comptroller: $1.6 million left after spending $4.7 million. He’s currently polling third or fourth and is seeking Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement.