Mayor Eric Adams’ 2025 reelection campaign has formally petitioned the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) to reconsider its recent decision denying his campaign access to public matching funds. The petition challenges the board’s determination and argues that the campaign remains eligible under the city’s campaign finance law.
The CFB’s notice of nonpayment informed the campaign of the five-business-day window to file a petition for reconsideration. This follows the board’s review of several legal issues, including the mayor’s past fundraising activities and the campaign’s failure to respond to documentation requests issued in 2024.
The Adams campaign’s filing directly responds to the CFB’s April 15 letter, which was publicly released. In the letter, the board laid out several reasons for denying matching funds, including the September 2024 federal indictment of Adams, which alleged a straw donor scheme linked to his 2021 campaign. Though those charges were dismissed in April 2025, the board cited ongoing concerns over fraudulent conduct involving campaign associates.
The CFB emphasized that two individuals connected to Adams’ 2021 campaign, Mohamed Bahi and Erden Arkan, pled guilty to crimes related to illegal contributions and wire fraud. Bahi was also Adams’ Muslim Liaison for the Mayor’s Office. A February 2025 letter from former U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon informed federal judges of Bahi’s plea, further raising red flags for the board.
In addition, the board noted that the Adams campaign did not comply with a formal request for documents sent in November 2024. The campaign’s legal team declined to provide the requested materials, citing the pending legal matters. The CFB maintained that this lack of cooperation affected the campaign’s eligibility.
While the petition has reopened the conversation, the CFB has not yet issued a new ruling. If the petition is denied, Adams’ campaign may pursue further legal action under Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules.
The outcome of this process could determine whether the Adams campaign receives millions in public financing as it heads into a competitive reelection cycle.
