Zohran Mamdani's NYC mayoral campaign took foreign cash, raising compliance questions

"New York City's leading mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani, raised nearly $13,000 from donors with addresses outside the United States, a Fox News review of New York City Campaign Finance records show - raising questions about campaign compliance and transparency. As of Oct. 3, at least 170 of the nearly 54,000 contributions to the Mamdani campaign may violate campaign finance rules, as only U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents are permitted to contribute to American political campaigns. Candidates are expected to return illegal donations."

"As of Tuesday, records revealed that 91 of the foreign donations have been refunded. According to data from the New York City Campaign Finance Records contribution refunds, $5,723.50 of the $7,190 has been returned to foreign donors. A review of the donors revealed that Mamdani's mother-in-law in Dubai, Bariah Dardari, donated $500 in January. Her donation was refunded four days later."

"Overall, records revealed that Mamdani brought in at least $4 million in private donations, $12.7 million in public matching funds and has $6.1 million in cash on hand. There are at least 79 outstanding foreign donations that have not been returned by the Mamdani campaign as of Tuesday evening. The Mamdani campaign told The New York Post over the weekend that "we will of course return any donations that are not in compliance with CFB law.""

Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign accepted nearly $13,000 from donors with addresses outside the United States, creating possible violations of campaign finance rules that restrict contributions to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. As of Oct. 3, at least 170 of about 54,000 contributions may be illegal. Records show 91 foreign donations have been refunded, totaling $5,723.50 of $7,190 returned. One donor was Mamdani's mother-in-law in Dubai, who contributed $500 and was refunded four days later. At least 79 outstanding foreign donations remain unreturned. Campaign reported intent to return noncompliant donations and did not immediately respond to some inquiries.

Read at Fox News