The Coolidge Reagan Foundation (CRF), a campaign finance watchdog group, has referred New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to the Justice Department over allegations of accepting illegal contributions from foreign donors. The foundation filed two criminal referrals, citing evidence that Mamdani’s campaign received nearly $13,000 from at least 170 non-U.S. citizens or residents, violating federal and local campaign finance laws.
A review of campaign finance reports revealed the donations, which were restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Dan Backer, president of the CRF, stated the pattern of foreign funding was “a sustained violation” of election rules, noting Mamdani’s campaign ignored warnings about the violations. The foundation argued the conduct “undermines the integrity of the democratic process.”
Mamdani’s campaign defended the allegations, claiming 31 of the 170 donors had proven U.S. citizenship or residency and were approved by the Campaign Finance Board, while the remaining $13,000 was refunded. The CRF has directed its referrals to Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
The foundation emphasized that foreign nationals “may not participate in American elections,” calling for an immediate investigation into potential violations of federal election laws and New York State Election Law § 17.152, which penalizes conspiracies to influence elections unlawfully. CRF Chairman Shaun McCutcheon stated the illegal donations “dilute the voice of lawful American voters” and demanded accountability.
