The Coolidge Reagan Foundation (CRF), a campaign finance watchdog group, has referred New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to the Justice Department for alleged violations of campaign finance laws. The foundation filed two criminal referrals against Mamdani, accusing the Democratic nominee of receiving illegal contributions from foreign donors.
A review of financial reports revealed that Mamdani’s campaign accepted nearly $13,000 from at least 170 donors outside the United States, violating federal rules that restrict political donations to U.S. citizens or legal residents. Dan Backer, president of the CRF, stated the foundation found a “sustained pattern” of foreign money entering the race, calling it a clear breach of both federal and local campaign finance regulations. He added that Mamdani’s team was aware of the issue for months but took no meaningful steps to address it.
Mamdani’s campaign responded by asserting that 31 of the 170 donors had proven their U.S. citizenship or residency, while the remaining 139 donations were refunded. The CRF’s referrals were sent to Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, citing potential violations of federal election law and New York state statutes. Backer emphasized that foreign involvement in American elections undermines democratic integrity, regardless of intent.
CRF Chairman Shaun McCutcheon urged immediate investigation into the case, stating that illicit foreign funding erodes the influence of lawful voters. The foundation called for accountability for those responsible.