FACT Calls for Investigation into New York City Mayor for Use of City Resources While Making to Make Political Endorsements

Evidence shows Mayor Mamdani repeatedly violated city ethics law by using City events and public resources for political activity  

Washington, D.C. --- August 25, 2026 --- Today, the non-partisan ethics watchdog, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), filed a complaint requesting the Conflicts of Interest Board investigate New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for using his official position and public resources for political activity.

The Conflicts of Interest Board has clearly stated that political endorsements are personal, not official, acts and that “public servants may not use city resources or staff in connection with endorsements.” Punishment for violations of the law is not unprecedented. For example, Mayor Eric Adams was fined $4,000 in 2025 by the New York City Conflicts of Interest Board for introducing campaign activity into an official City Hall press conference.

This case is straight forward. On three separate occasions, Mamdani used city resources (including staff time, city owned buildings and equipment for a press conference, and the city seal) to make political endorsements. In addition, Mamdani posted the transcripts of his political remarks on the official city webpage—another potential violation.

• Mamdani’s first violation occurred in February 2026, when during an official press conference on childcare, he stood behind a podium displaying the seal of New York City and endorsed Kathy Hochul in the race for governor of New York.

• Later, in April 2026, Mamdani again stood behind a podium with the city seal on it, endorsed Lindsey Boylan in a New York City Council race, and encouraged those attending to vote for her.

• Finally, on June 22, 2026, at an official press conference regarding extreme heat and worker protection, Mamdani endorsed eight political candidates and made additional political statements while at a podium carrying the city seal.

“Separating official activities from political ones is the foundation of sound ethics laws and imperative to maintain the public’s trust in government. The use of public resources to influence the political process gives a clear and unfair advantage to the individual or party in power. Allowing this conduct to go unchecked and unpunished is a threat to the democratic process. The Conflicts of Interest Board must launch an investigation into Mamdani’s actions and impose the proper penalties,” said Kendra Arnold, Executive Director of FACT.

A full copy of the complaint can be found by clicking HERE.

FACT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting accountability, ethics, and transparency in government and civic arenas.  For more on FACT, visit: http://www.factdc.org/

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