NYC Campaign Finance Board Approves Matching Funds Payments to Candidates in City Council Special Elections
02/25/2021
he NYC Campaign Finance Board (CFB) approved public matching funds payments totaling $22,520 today for four candidates competing in two special elections in The Bronx set for March 23.
Two candidates in City Council District 11 received a combined $19,608, while two candidates received a combined $2,912 in City Council District 15. These are the second installments of public matching funds payments made to candidates in either race. Including previous payments, $522,257 has been allocated to candidates in District 11, and $613,662 in District 15.
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 11 - 2021 SPECIAL ELECTION PUBLIC FUNDS
| Candidate | Feb. 25 |
|---|---|
| Lora, Mino | $15,542 |
| Padernacht, Daniel A | $4,066 |
| All Candidates | $19,608 |
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 15 - 2021 SPECIAL ELECTION PUBLIC FUNDS
| Candidate | Feb. 25 |
|---|---|
| Crespo, Elisa | $24 |
| Gopal, Latchmi D | $2,888 |
| All Candidates | $2,912 |
CONTRIBUTION LIMITS AND DISCLOSURE DEADLINES
Candidates in the City Council District 11 and District 15 special elections filed their most recent disclosure reports on February 19. See the full disclosure calendar for more details. Contribution limits and public financing information for this race is available on the CFB's website.
HOW THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE PROGRAM WORKS
The CFB provides public matching funds to qualifying candidates at a matching rate of $8-to-$1 for the first $175 for City Council and Borough President candidates, or $250 for citywide candidates contributed by city residents. Contributions from New York City residents are eligible for a maximum matching funds payment of $1,400 for City Council and Borough President candidates, or $2,000 for citywide candidates. Candidates participating in the program under "Option B" are subject to higher contribution limits but a lower matching rate and maximum public funds payment.
To qualify for public matching funds, candidates must meet the nonpartisan objective criteria set in the law, including a two-part fundraising threshold. In City Council elections, candidates must raise 75 contributions from district residents and $5,000 in match-eligible funds (the first $175 from a city resident). Candidates must also comply with all program rules, including individual contribution limits and a prohibition on contributions from corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships.
The $8-to-$1 matching rate was adopted by voters, along with other improvements to the matching funds program, in November 2018. Candidates may choose to participate in the old program, which provides public funds at a $6-to-$1 matching rate.
The CFB's Candidate Services staff offers extensive support to campaigns, providing access to training, resources, and one-on-one guidance to help them navigate their disclosure requirements and compliance obligations.
More information about the candidates' campaign finance data is available on the CFB website in the Campaign Finance Summary portal. Individual contribution data is available in the Follow the Money database.