Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral campaign has been hit with a major financial blow after a city probe alleged illegal coordination with a super PAC, triggering the loss of $600,000 in public funds and shaking confidence in his frontrunner status.
At a Glance
- Andrew Cuomo lost $600,000 in public matching funds after a probe into super PAC links
- Cuomo is accused of illegal “redboxing” to guide pro-campaign advertisements
- Democratic rival Zellnor Myrie filed the complaint sparking the investigation
- Cuomo denies wrongdoing and vows to challenge the city’s decision
- The mayoral primary is scheduled for June 24
Financial Setbacks for Cuomo’s Campaign
Andrew Cuomo’s bid to return to public office as New York City mayor is under siege. The city’s Campaign Finance Board has rescinded $600,000 in public matching funds after investigating potential coordination between Cuomo’s campaign and the independent expenditure group “Fix the City.” This decision follows growing suspicion that the PAC’s ads were not independently produced, as required by law.
Cuomo’s campaign had originally secured $1.5 million in public funds. The loss of nearly half that amount is a significant financial and reputational hit, casting doubt on the integrity of his campaign’s operations. Two ads in particular, aired by “Fix the City,” are central to the investigation and allegedly bear hallmarks of coordinated messaging.
Watch a report: Cuomo Campaign Under Investigation.
“Redboxing”—the practice of subtly guiding PACs on messaging through coded language in public materials—is at the heart of the allegations. While not always explicitly illegal, it occupies a legally gray and ethically murky zone that watchdogs argue undermines campaign finance safeguards.
Investigation and Political Fallout
Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie, one of Cuomo’s rivals in the Democratic primary, filed the formal complaint accusing the former governor of redboxing. He argues that Cuomo’s campaign improperly influenced “Fix the City” to run favorable ads—effectively outsourcing campaign work without accountability.
Though Cuomo insists that his campaign has abided by legal parameters, the Campaign Finance Board’s ruling says otherwise. Cuomo’s team plans to challenge the findings, labeling them a misinterpretation of campaign content and dismissing the allegations as politically motivated.
The accusations come amid lingering skepticism from Cuomo’s past scandals, including his 2021 resignation as governor under pressure from harassment allegations. The super PAC probe has reignited criticism over his political conduct, threatening to derail his comeback narrative.
Scrutiny Builds Ahead of the Primary
This isn’t the campaign’s first bureaucratic stumble. Earlier this year, Cuomo’s team was forced to forfeit nearly $3 million in public funds over paperwork discrepancies, which they also plan to appeal. Now, facing dual funding setbacks, Cuomo’s lead in the polls may erode as voters question both his ethics and his organizational competence.
The Democratic primary on June 24 will be the next key test. If Cuomo’s campaign cannot clear its name before then, the damage may already be done. As political pressure mounts and investigations proceed, this high-stakes battle will determine not only the mayoralty, but also Cuomo’s broader political resurrection.
