NYC Campaign Finance Board Approves Matching Funds Payments to Bronx Special Election Candidates

03/18/2021

The NYC Campaign Finance Board (CFB) approved public matching funds payments totaling $67,956 today for nine candidates in special elections for City Council Districts 11 and 15 set for March 23 in The Bronx.

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 11 - 2021 SPECIAL ELECTION PUBLIC FUNDS
Candidate March 12
Dinowitz, Eric $7,173
Haller, Jessica $9,332
Lora, Mino $9,971
Padernacht, Daniel A $10,258
All Candidates $36,734
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 15 - 2021 SPECIAL ELECTION PUBLIC FUNDS
Candidate March 12
Bravo, Ischia $7,125
Crespo, Elisa $6,800
Feliz, Oswald $7,125
Sanchez, John $7,125
Soldevilla, Altagracia $3,047
All Candidates $31,222
This is the fourth and final installment of public matching funds payments before the election. Including previous payments on February 5, February 25, and March 11, the CFB has paid a total of $1,266,461 in the two races.
The special elections in City Council Districts 11 and 15 are among the first elections for New York City offices conducted with Ranked Choice Voting, which allows voters to rank five candidates in order of preference. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the CFB website for more info about Ranked Choice Voting.

CONTRIBUTION LIMITS AND DISCLOSURE DEADLINES

Candidates in the City Council District 11 and 15 special elections must file their next campaign finance disclosure statements on April 19. See the full disclosure calendar for more details. Contribution limits and public financing information for these races are available on the CFB's website.

HOW THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE PROGRAM WORKS

The CFB provides public matching funds to qualifying candidates at a matching rate of $8-to-$1 for the first $175 for City Council and Borough President candidates, or $250 for citywide candidates contributed by city residents. Contributions from New York City residents are eligible for a maximum matching funds payment of $1,400 for City Council and Borough President candidates, or $2,000 for citywide candidates. Candidates participating in the program under "Option B" are subject to higher contribution limits but a lower matching rate and maximum public funds payment.

To qualify for public matching funds, candidates must meet the nonpartisan objective criteria set in the law, including a two-part fundraising threshold. In City Council elections, candidates must raise 75 contributions from district residents and $5,000 in match-eligible funds (the first $175 from a city resident). Candidates must also comply with all program rules, including individual contribution limits and a prohibition on contributions from corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships.

The $8-to-$1 matching rate was adopted by voters, along with other improvements to the matching funds program, in November 2018. Candidates may choose to participate in the old program, which provides public funds at a $6-to-$1 matching rate.

The CFB's Candidate Services staff offers extensive support to campaigns, providing access to training, resources, and one-on-one guidance to help them navigate their disclosure requirements and compliance obligations.

More information about the candidates' campaign finance data is available on the CFB website in the Campaign Finance Summary portal. Individual contribution data is available in the Follow the Money database.