Overview
- City campaign finance records reviewed in news reports show at least 170 donations to Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral bid listed foreign addresses, totaling nearly $13,000 that may violate rules barring contributions from non‑citizens and non‑permanent residents.
- Filings indicate 88 flagged donations worth $7,190 have not yet been returned, while the campaign says it will refund any contributions not compliant with Campaign Finance Board law and has already sent back about $5,608.
- One refunded contribution was a $500 gift from Mamdani’s mother‑in‑law in Dubai returned the same day; other named donors include Australia‑based scientist James Furlaud and Dubai‑based investor Ada Diaz Ahmed, each at $2,100.
- Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa urged scrutiny of the fundraising, arguing there could be more foreign money, as the Campaign Finance Board declined comment beyond noting all campaigns are under audit.
- Separately, Mamdani rallied roughly 3,000 supporters in Washington Heights, touting an affordability platform that includes free buses, a rent freeze for stabilized tenants, and universal childcare, with appearances by Letitia James, Nydia Velázquez, and Chi Ossé.