NYC Campaign Finance Board Chair Approves Matching Funds Payments to 2025 Candidates
02/21/2025
February 21, 2025 –Today, the NYC Campaign Finance Board (CFB) Chair Frederick Schaffer approved public matching funds payments totaling $167,371 to 6 candidates for the 2025 elections. After the submission of a candidate's petition for reconsideration pursuant to CFB Rule 7-09, the Chair exercised his authority to authorize several payments to candidates in similar circumstances pending Board approval at the upcoming March meeting.
New York City’s matching funds program eliminates barriers to participation by providing access to resources New Yorkers in every community can use to run for office. The candidates receiving payment today have met all the requirements of the Campaign Finance Act and Board Rules, have at least one opponent, and achieved a threshold level of public support by raising small-dollar contributions from the city residents they are seeking to represent.
Please visit the CFB website to find information on the two-part threshold candidates must meet to qualify for public funds, as well as additional information on the legal requirements to qualify for public funds.
SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT CHART
| Candidate | Office | Today's Payment | Total Payments to date | Total Amount Raised | Percent in-district | Percent small donors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gibson, Vanessa | Bronx Borough President | $44,411 | $410,309 | $286,098 | 54.3% | 63.7% |
| Batchu, Sarah * † | City Council (District 02) | $17,734 | $192,534 | $80,918 | 27.7% | 81.2% |
| Gordillo, Andrea * † | City Council (District 02) | $22,560 | $192,534 | $60,127 | 19.4% | 88.0% |
| Wetzler, Benjamin * † | City Council (District 04) | $17,734 | $192,534 | $43,776 | 28.5% | 86.8% |
| Santana, Elvis * | City Council (District 17) | $38,408 | $115,360 | $22,754 | 32.5% | 91.2% |
| Hankerson, Tyrell * | City Council (District 28) | $26,524 | $108,969 | $25,141 | 37.9% | 90.0% |
| All Candidates | All Offices | $167,371 | $1,212,240 | $518,814 | - | - |
Key to the Candidates Receiving Public Funds Payments Table:
- Today’s Payment: The amount of public funds paid to the candidate on February 21st.
- Total Payments to Date: The total amount of public funds paid to the candidate for the 2025 elections. The maximum public funds payment for each election can be found here.
- Total Amount Raised: The total dollar amount raised from individual, organizational, and all other contribution sources, as of January 15th.
- Percent In-District: The percent of the number of contributions reported from individual residents in the candidate’s council district, as of January 15th, excluding organizational and other contribution sources.
- Percent Small Donors: The percent of aggregate contributions from individuals that totaled $250 or less (for candidates for Mayor, Public Advocate, or Comptroller), or $175 or less (for candidates for Borough President or City Council) as of January 15th, excluding organizational and other contribution sources. Aggregate contributions refer to the total dollar value of all contributions reported from a donor. For example, the aggregate contribution from a donor who made two $5 contributions is $10.
Complete information about candidates’ fundraising and spending is available on the CFB website, through the Follow the Money Database and the Campaign Finance Summary.
HOW THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE PROGRAM WORKS
The CFB provides matching funds out of the city's General Fund to qualifying candidates at a rate of $8 for every $1 received from New York City residents, up to the first $175 for donations to City Council candidates and $250 for citywide offices.
To qualify for matching funds, candidates must demonstrate support from within their communities by meeting a two-part fundraising threshold and abide by the other requirements set in the Campaign Finance Act. For instance, to qualify for public funding in City Council races, candidates must raise at least $5,000 from city residents. Only the first $175 contributed per city resident counts towards meeting the threshold. Additionally, City Council candidates must receive at least 75 contributions from residents of the district where they are running. Candidates also must comply with all program rules, including individual contribution limits and a prohibition on collecting contributions from corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships.
CANDIDATE SERVICES
The CFB's Candidate Services staff offers candidates extensive support by providing access to trainings, resources, and one-on-one guidance to help campaigns navigate their disclosure requirements and compliance obligations. For the 2025 elections, the agency published a detailed guidance documents with the payment schedule, requirements, and applicable deadlines for candidates to follow.
FOLLOW THE MONEY
More information about the candidates' campaign finance data is available on the CFB website in the Campaign Finance Summary portal. Individual contributions, campaign spending, intermediaries, and independent PAC expenditures are available in the CFB's Follow the Money database.