New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, is facing scrutiny after reports revealed his campaign accepted at least $13,000 in contributions from foreign sources, with 88 donations still unreturned.
U.S. campaign laws restrict contributions to citizens and permanent residents, raising concerns about compliance and oversight as voters prepare to head to the polls.
Campaign finance records indicate that at least 170 of Mamdani’s roughly 54,000 contributions came from addresses outside the United States.
This includes donations from his mother-in-law, Bariah Dardari of Dubai; Ugur Macit in Germany and Australian environmental scientist James Furlaud.
While the campaign has returned $5,608, it continues to hold $7,190 in contributions suspected to be foreign, The Daily Caller reports.
The Mamdani campaign told the New York Post it will return any contributions that violate city or federal law.
“We will of course return any donations that are not in compliance with CFB law,” a campaign statement read.
Critics have raised questions about why 88 donations remain unreturned as the election nears.
Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa highlighted the potential risks of foreign money in campaigns.
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, so I would be very concerned,” Sliwa said. “It’s very problematic, not just for Zohran Mamdani, but anybody who has these kinds of PACs, because it’s a license to illegally funnel money.”
“And foreign countries know you don’t have to go to war against America. All you gotta do is manipulate the election.”
Sliwa also called for federal oversight to ensure transparency in campaign financing, according to The Western Journal.
Former Democratic candidate Eric Adams, who recently withdrew from the race, accused the New York City Campaign Finance Board of showing favoritism toward Mamdani.
“When a board that doesn’t reflect the diversity of New York City enforces rules selectively, it undermines democracy,” Adams said on X. “My campaign was denied matching funds over baseless allegations, while Mamdani’s campaign received millions even after $13,000 in illegal foreign donations were uncovered. The bias is undeniable.”
Mamdani’s fundraising efforts have frequently relied on contributions from beyond New York City.
Between July 12 and Aug. 18, 53 percent of his donors came from outside the city, reflecting a reliance on out-of-town support rather than a strictly local base.
Among his top foreign donors were James Furlaud, who contributed $2,500 from Australia and Dubai-based investor Ada Diaz Ahmed, whose $2,100 September donation drew scrutiny due to her international address, according to The Post.
Mamdani’s policy proposals have also drawn criticism.
The Washington Post Editorial Board strongly opposed his plan for free bus service, estimating it could cost nearly $800 million annually and create practical and safety concerns.
“Quality inevitably declines when a service is offered for ‘free,’” the editorial said. “Vagrants and drug addicts would camp out all day on New York’s buses, especially in the winter.”
“Parents would grow afraid to let their children ride alone. Wealthier residents would find another way to get around, but poor New Yorkers who depend on the bus would suffer the most.”
As the mayoral election approaches, Mamdani faces mounting pressure to return remaining foreign contributions and address voter concerns over both compliance and the feasibility of his progressive agenda.
Federal scrutiny and continued reporting on campaign finances may shape the final weeks of the race and influence voter perceptions.
