Zohran Mamdani's surprising rise to the front-runner in New York City's mayoral race highlights the role of public campaign financing. The system's matching funds provided him with nearly $13 million to compete against well-funded opponents. This approach amplified grassroots voices over billionaire influence.
In the lead-up to New York City's mayoral election, Zohran Mamdani, an obscure legislator, defeated the political establishment to win the Democratic primary and emerge as the general-election favorite. Analysts attribute his success not just to slick ads, populist messaging on affordability, or personal charisma, but primarily to the city's nearly four-decade-old clean elections system that publicly finances municipal candidates.
This system matched small-dollar donations, granting Mamdani nearly $13 million in government funds. These resources enabled a $5 million television and digital ad campaign, $1 million in mail and literature, and a $2 million staff to organize communities and boost social media presence. Without this support, Mamdani might not have competed against tens of millions spent by oligarchs backing disgraced former governor Andrew Cuomo.
Public financing allows candidates to run without relying on private donors seeking favors. New York City's model supercharges small donations, while others provide grants after qualifying contributions. Participants are limited to system funds but can counter super PAC attacks.
Mamdani emphasized its importance: “It’s incredibly important,” he told The Lever. “What it allows is the amplification of the voice of ordinary New Yorkers, as opposed to the billionaires who have grown used to buying our elections.”
The concept dates to 1907, when Teddy Roosevelt proposed federal appropriations for party expenses to curb corruption. Congress nearly enacted national systems in 1973 and 1992, but efforts stalled due to vetoes and filibusters. Today, 14 states and 26 localities use such systems, often post-scandals in places like Connecticut, Arizona, and New York.
Connecticut State Representative Jillian Gilchrest credits the program for her 2016 win against a 23-year incumbent: “The reason I had a shot was because of Connecticut’s public financing system, the Citizen’s Election Program. I raised small-dollar donations from people in my district to qualify for a grant that helped me reach voters and share my message. I won. So have many of my coworkers in the legislature who never had deep-pocketed connections or personal wealth… Public financing made it possible. It leveled the playing field.”
Advocates argue this reform enables non-establishment candidates to challenge oligarchs, countering a system where policy favors donors over average Americans.