Zohran Mamdani accused of misusing NYC resources to boost Dem candidates in ethics complaint

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A watchdog group on Tuesday, August 25, filed an ethics complaint against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, alleging that he used his official position and city resources while endorsing Democratic candidates.

The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) is asking the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board to investigate three instances involving Mamdani’s political endorsements since taking office in January this year.

According to a report by the New York Post, the complaint cites previous city ethics guidance concerning the use of public resources for political activity.

Watchdog flags Zohran Mamdani’s political endorsements

The complaint focuses first on Mamdani’s February endorsement of Governor Kathy Hochul, who is seeking re-election.

Mamdani publicly endorsed Hochul in an op-ed and later said during a city press conference that he is “proud to endorse her.”

The watchdog also cited Mamdani’s April endorsement of Lindsey Boylan, a former congressional candidate and the first woman to publicly accuse former Governor Andrew Cuomo of physical violation.

During an April press conference, Mamdani said, “The decision to endorse Lindsey is one that comes more from having seen her bravery and her courage in standing up over the years,” while also urging voters to support her.

FACT further pointed to a June press conference during a heat wave, when Mamdani named eight Democratic primary candidates he supported.

The mayor said, “I am looking forward to New Yorkers hearing about Claire, Darializa, Brad, (and) when it comes to the state legislator, Aber Kawas, Eli Northrup, Illapa Sairitupac, Samantha Kattan, Brian Romero,” adding, “These are all candidates that I’m very excited about.”

The group argues that the use of city facilities, the mayor’s official position, and city-published transcripts could violate rules separating government resources from political activity.

“Separating official activities from political ones is the foundation of sound ethics laws and imperative to maintain the public’s trust in government,” FACT executive director Kendra Arnold said.

“The use of public resources to influence the political process gives a clear and unfair advantage to the individual or party in power.”

Zohran Mamdani faces NYPD security complaint

This is not the first ethics complaint filed against Mayor Mamdani.

In June, New York City Councilman Phil Wong filed a complaint as well, accusing Mamdani of allowing an NYPD security detail to transport congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier between campaign stops.

Wong said videos posted online appeared to show Chevalier and members of her campaign entering an SUV that he alleged was part of Mamdani’s NYPD security detail after a get-out-the-vote appearance.

He asked the Conflicts of Interest Board to determine whether city personnel or vehicles had been used for campaign purposes.

“The conduct depicted is not simply an accusation; it appears to show the use of city vehicles and city security personnel in direct support of campaign travel,” Wong wrote.

“The issue here is not whether a public official may endorse or appear with a candidate, but whether City assets assigned for official public purposes were used to facilitate campaign activity for a federal candidate.”