The New York City Campaign Finance Board today announced the first payment of public matching funds to qualifying candidates for the November 2 special election in City Council District 28 (Queens).
A total of $37,797 in public funds was distributed to Ruben Wills. The Board also denied a 502-a petition submitted by the Wills campaign.
Candidates who certify as participants in the city’s voluntary Campaign Finance Program must appear on the ballot, have an opponent on the ballot, and meet a two-part threshold before becoming eligible for public matching funds.
The Program amplifies the impact of New Yorkers’ small contributions by matching them with public funds. For special elections, the Program matches contributions from New York City residents at a rate of $6-to-$1, up to $87 per contributor – for a maximum of $522 in public funds per contributor. The maximum amount each candidate can receive in matching funds is $92,400.
The public funds administered through the Campaign Finance Program enable more citizens to compete for city office, and help to reduce the possibility and the perception of corruption associated with large contributions and unlimited campaign spending.
For more information about the eligibility threshold and the limits on raising and spending funds applicable to the November 2 special election, please see the CFB website.