NYC mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani in illegal donor scandal as records show Arab investor funding campaign

Published October 13, 2025

Zohran Mamdani, a leading Democratic Socialist candidate in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, is facing scrutiny over his campaign’s acceptance of nearly $13,000 in potentially illegal foreign donations. An analysis of NYC Campaign Finance Board records revealed that at least 170 of the campaign’s approximately 54,000 contributions originated from addresses outside the United States, violating federal and state laws that prohibit foreign nationals from donating to U.S. political campaigns.

Among the foreign donations was a $500 contribution from Mamdani’s mother-in-law, a pediatrician based in Dubai. While the campaign returned this donation promptly, it has yet to address 88 other foreign donations totaling $7,190. Critics, including Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, have raised concerns about potential foreign influence in the election.

Mamdani’s campaign has stated its intention to return any donations not in compliance with campaign finance laws. However, the delay in addressing the unreturned contributions has drawn criticism and calls for greater transparency and accountability.

As the election approaches, Mamdani’s campaign is under increased scrutiny, with opponents questioning the integrity of his fundraising practices and the potential implications for the city’s political landscape.

Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has taken almost $13,000 in potentially illegal foreign donations to fund his campaign, according to the New York Post

The returned donations include $500 from Dubai-based pediatrician Dr Bariah Dardari (pictured), who is the mother of Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji

 Implications

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the implications of Zohran Mamdani’s campaign accepting illegal foreign donations:

1. Legal and Regulatory Implications

• Federal Violation: U.S. law strictly prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to federal, state, or local political campaigns. The acceptance of $13,000 in foreign donations, even unknowingly, could trigger investigation by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

• Campaign Finance Scrutiny: The NYC Campaign Finance Board may impose fines or require corrective measures, including returning all illegal contributions. Non-compliance could result in civil penalties.

• Potential Criminal Exposure: If any donation is found to have been knowingly accepted from foreign sources, campaign officials could face criminal liability, though prosecution in such cases is rare and depends on intent.

2. Political and Electoral Implications

• Voter Trust: Accepting illegal foreign contributions can erode public confidence in a candidate, raising questions about integrity and judgment.

• Opposition Attack Ads: Rival candidates, like Curtis Sliwa, are likely to exploit this issue, framing it as vulnerability to foreign influence in NYC politics.

• Media Narrative: The story is being reported by multiple outlets (NY Post, Daily Mail, Gateway Pundit), increasing national visibility and potential reputational damage.

3. Ethical and Governance Implications

• Transparency Concerns: Delays in addressing unreturned foreign donations ($7,190 still outstanding) suggest potential lapses in campaign oversight.

• Campaign Management Questions: Accepting contributions from abroad—especially from family or associates—reflects on internal compliance mechanisms and raises questions about the campaign’s operational rigor.

4. Broader Societal Implications

• Foreign Influence Anxiety: Public perception may tilt toward concerns about foreign interference in local elections, a sensitive topic in the post-2016 election environment.

• Impact on Progressive Agenda: Mamdani’s Democratic Socialist platform could be overshadowed by legal controversies, distracting from policy debates (housing, transit, education).

5. Mitigation Factors

• Returning Donations: Promptly returning illegal contributions can reduce legal exposure and signal accountability.

• Internal Audit: Conducting a thorough review of all campaign contributions can prevent future violations.

• Public Messaging: Transparent communication about corrective measures can help restore some voter confidence.

 Overall Takeaway:

The revelation that Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign accepted nearly $13,000 in illegal foreign contributions underscores the ongoing challenges of campaign finance compliance in U.S. elections. While some donations, like that from his mother-in-law, were returned promptly, a significant portion remains unaddressed, raising questions about oversight and transparency.

Legally, these donations put the campaign under scrutiny from federal and local authorities, though the severity of consequences will depend on intent and corrective actions. Politically, the controversy opens Mamdani to attacks from opponents, potentially eroding voter trust at a critical stage of the race.

Ultimately, how the campaign responds—through full compliance, transparent reporting, and public accountability—will shape both Mamdani’s electoral prospects and the broader discussion around foreign influence in local elections. For voters and political observers, the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in campaign finance practices.

SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – New Report Uncovers Zohran Mamdani Took $13,000 in Illegal Donations

THE NEW YORK POST – Mamdani mayoral campaign took in $13,000 in illegal foreign donations, records show

DAILYMAIL ONLINE – NYC mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani in illegal donor scandal as records show Arab investor funding campaign