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Dear New Yorkers,

The historic federal indictment of Mayor Eric Adams, which alleges he obtained more than $10 million in public matching funds for his 2021 campaign under false pretenses, also casts a shadow over his 2025 reelection campaign.

In particular, the campaign’s requests for matching funds from the Campaign Finance Board (CFB) are under scrutiny. The program provides campaigns with $8 for every $1 donated from city residents, up to $250.

While the indictment mostly takes aim at Adams' 2021 campaign, prosecutors also allege the mayor has "solicited and knowingly accepted straw and foreign contributions” for his reelection. The charges have put the CFB on notice about alleged corruption to the public financing system — and it is under heightened scrutiny over how it will assess Adams’ 2025 requests.

To date, Adams has sought a public match for more than $370,000 in contributions collected through mid-June. But an analysis by THE CITY shows the CFB staff has already flagged more than $111,000 of those claims as "invalid," for reasons including missing or suspicious information about the donor's identity. THE CITY has also highlighted donations to Adams' 2025 campaign that appear to be from “straw donors.”

Whatever the fate of the federal case, Adams’ reelection campaign now faces the serious threat of getting denied its matching funds request, which is due by Oct. 11.

Read more here about Adams’ pursuit of public matching funds for his 2025 reelection campaign

Our Other Top Stories

Yesterday, Adams held his first weekly press conference since pleading not guilty to federal corruption charges last week. The mayor appeared without his usual dais of aides, lawyers and deputies or theme song as he faced a barrage of questions from reporters. Prosecutors say that former FDNY chief Brian Cordasco is accepting a plea deal for a scheme involving payments to expedite fire safety inspections. Here’s how the scheme worked — and how it privileged big developers. With Adams under federal investigation, it’s no surprise that challengers — including other Democrats — are emerging for 2025’s mayoral race. These are the candidates who have stepped into the ring so far.

Things To Do

Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.

Saturday, Oct. 5: A discovery lab for kids age 5 to 12 focused on civic engagement in New York City, built around the museum’s Shirley Chisholm exhibit. Free with admission from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Museum of the City of New York. Saturday, Oct. 5: A daylong birthday bash celebrating the Brooklyn Museum’s 200th anniversary that includes curator talks, art, music and more. Free from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., registration required. Sunday, Oct. 6: A fall birding walk with the NYC Birds Alliance. Free from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Queens Botanical Garden.

Happy 5th Birthday to THE CITY! As one of our valued Scoop subscribers, you’re at the heart of what makes our reporting possible. Celebrate five years of independent journalism by giving a birthday gift to help us continue for another five!

Celebrate with us!

THE KICKER: Dock workers in New York and New Jersey are joining a nationwide strike, which could affect the availability of groceries, reports PIX11. Gov. Kathy Hochul urged people not to stockpile, though: “We are not there,” she said.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Wednesday.

Love,

THE CITY

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