New York, October 12, 2025: New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is facing fresh controversy after recent records revealed that his campaign received nearly $13,000 in donations from foreign sources — contributions that may violate federal and local election laws.
Questions Over Illegal Contributions
According to filings from the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB), at least 170 donations came from donors with non-U.S. addresses. Of these, about 88 contributions totaling $7,190 have not yet been refunded, while the campaign has reportedly returned $5,608.
One of the donations — a $500 contribution from Mamdani’s mother-in-law living in Dubai — was returned on the same day it was received, according to the report.
Campaign’s Response
In response, the Mamdani campaign said,
“We will, of course, return any donations that are not in compliance with CFB law.”
However, critics argue that the statement falls short, questioning why the remaining donations have not yet been refunded and why the campaign has not shown more transparency.
Political Reaction
Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa reacted sharply to the revelation, saying,
“This could be part of dark money — where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
Election Context
Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a prominent contender in New York’s 2025 mayoral race. His campaign has so far raised around $4 million in private donations and received $12.7 million in public matching funds.
With just weeks left before the election, this controversy may prove to be a serious blow to Mamdani’s campaign momentum, observers say.
Legal Background
Under U.S. federal law, foreign nationals are strictly prohibited from contributing to political campaigns. Accepting or failing to return such funds can lead to fines or legal action.
Meanwhile, the NYC Campaign Finance Board has intensified its audits of all campaign contributions this election cycle — increasing the pressure on candidates to demonstrate full compliance and transparency.
Source: New York Post
