NYC Mayor Adams denied public funds for 2025 reelection campaign: CFB

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Mayor Eric Adams was denied public funds for his 2025 reelection campaign, the New York City Campaign Finance Board announced on Monday.

The CFB cited the federal charges against Adams as one of the reasons why it denied him the money.

After thoroughly reviewing all available information, including the details of the indictment of Mayor Adams, the Board has determined there is reason to believe the Adams campaign has engaged in conduct detrimental to the matching funds program, in violation of law, including the Campaign Finance Act and Board Rules. His campaign also failed to provide documents and information requested by the Board. Accordingly, Mayor Adams’ campaign for reelection has failed to demonstrate eligibility for public funds payment at this time.

Our priority remains achieving an equitable and transparent democracy that is accountable to all New Yorkers.

Frederick Schaffer, the chair of the CFB

The CFB awarded other candidates a total of $4.8 million in public funds. Scott Stringer, who used to serve as the city's comptroller, was given $2 million of those funds.

Adams' 2025 campaign counsel also released a statement on the CFB's ruling.

While today’s ruling by CFB to withhold matching funds at this time is disappointing, we will continue to work with the board to address any issues so that funds can be appropriately disbursed. The mayor’s campaign continues to have far more resources than his opponents’, and we are very confident we will have the support we need to spend the maximum amount allowable in the upcoming primary.

Vito R. Pitta, Adams 2025 campaign counsel

To see which candidates were awarded public funds, click here.

The announcement comes as President-elect Donald Trump said he would consider pardoning Adams during a press conference on Monday.

Adams was charged with bribery, solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national, wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States back in September. The charges stem from a federal investigation into his 2021 mayoral campaign, prosecutors said.