Mayor Adams' Money Fight: A Legal Setback

Mayor Adams is in a tough spot. He wanted to get his hands on over $4 million in public campaign funds, but a judge said no. This isn't the first time he's been turned down. A Brooklyn Federal Court judge backed the city's Campaign Finance Board's decision to deny Adams the funds. The judge said the board had good reasons and followed the rules. The board's chairman, Frederick Schaffer, stood by their decision. He said the mayor's campaign didn't show they were eligible for the funds. The board is serious about using taxpayer money wisely and treating all candidates fairly. This isn't the first time Adams has sued the board. He's been fighting them since May. The board first denied him the funds in December 2024 because of a corruption indictment. The indictment was later dropped, but the board still has doubts. They say Adams' campaign didn't give them the records they asked for. Adams said he's quitting the mayoral race, partly because of this fund issue. He said the board's decision made it hard for him to raise enough money for a serious campaign. But even after dropping out, he still wants the cash. The board's probe into the alleged campaign finance crimes is still ongoing. They're looking into the same things the feds did. Adams' spokesman didn't comment on the latest setback. Under the city's matching funds program, mayoral candidates can get donations from New Yorkers matched with taxpayer funds at an 8-to-1 rate up to $250. This is a big deal for campaigns, and Adams is feeling the pinch.