In an attempt to overturn the New York City Campaign Finance Board’s ruling that denied him $3.4 million in matching funds for his independent reelection campaign, Mayor Eric Adams filed a lawsuit against the board on Tuesday.
Because the federal indictment, which is the source of the board’s belief that Adams is a campaign finance criminal, has been dropped, the mayor’s legal team contended before Brooklyn’s state Supreme Court that the board should not deny Adams the green card.
The board’s interpretation of the rules has “created unfair obstacles” for the mayor, according to a spokesman for the Adams campaign.
“This case is about protecting the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that all candidates can compete on a level playing field without facing arbitrary restrictions,” according to the spokesperson.
Citing the prior indictment, the finance board has rejected Adams’ request for matching funds four times since last year, claiming there is cause to think he has participated in “conduct detrimental” to the program.
Adams was charged with federal offenses, including conspiracy to obtain campaign contributions from foreign nationals and soliciting contributions from foreign nationals.
However, the case was permanently dismissed in April following a contentious move by President Trump’s Department of Justice to drop the prosecution.
Judge Dale Ho dismissed the case permanently “with prejudice,” stating that the White House was unable to keep the accusations against Adams since his decision was not founded on the merits.
Attorney Robert Spolzino contended in the lawsuit on Tuesday that “If the CFB has any evidence beyond the indictment, it would have relied on that evidence publicly to support its determination because of its stated commitment to transparency.”
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“The CFB’s failure to cite any evidence to support its determination other than the indictment establishes that the CFB has no other such evidence.”
Although the complaint asserted on Tuesday that Adams’ campaign has now supplied the necessary documentation, the CFB has also occasionally maintained that Adams’ failure to provide specific information has kept him from receiving the funds.
On the basis of accusations and news reports rather than proof, Spolzino continued, the CFB’s ruling “sets a dangerous precedent, empowering the CFB to sit as judge, jury, and executioner.”
Due to low polling, Adams chose to run as an independent in April rather than participate in the Democratic primary.
He has $2.7 million on hand and has raised a total of $4.5 million for his reelection campaign.
Adams will have another opportunity to receive matching funds in July.
