You are reading

Queens Candidates Earn a Collective $2 Million in Matching Public Funds

Voters cast their ballot at a polling site in Queens on Election Day Nov. 3, 2020. (Michael Appleton/ Mayoral Photography Office)

March 18, 2021 By Allie Griffin

More than $2 million in public campaign funds was distributed Monday among 33 candidates in Queens who are running to represent various districts in the borough.

The candidates, who each received varying amounts, were awarded the money by the NYC Campaign Finance Board (CFB) through the city’s matching funds program. The funds were distributed among city council candidates as well as two candidates for Queens Borough President.

The $2 million is just a small chunk of the roughly $9.4 million dispersed among 90 candidates citywide on Monday.

The matching funds program is meant to encourage candidates to fundraise and appeal to individual New Yorkers rather than special interest groups. Each month candidates file a personal financial disclosure detailing their fundraising efforts in order to qualify for the monthly payments.

Monday’s disbursement was the fifth round of payouts from the CFB since December. Candidates who didn’t meet the Jan. 15 deadline for the Monday payment will have four more chances to receive public funds ahead of the June 22 primary election.

The next payment date is April 15, followed by two in May and a one more in June just days before the primary.

Council candidates are able to receive up to $168,888 total from the matching funds program.

Five Queens council candidates received the maximum match of $160,444 in this latest round, according to the CFB.

District 19 candidate Austin Shafran, District 23 candidate Jaslin Kaur, District 26 candidate Julie Won, District 29 candidate Avi Cyperstein and District 29 candidate Donghui Zang each earned the maximum funds permitted in the latest payment cycle.

During the last CFB payment cycle, eight Queens council candidates received the top amount and a total of 40 Queens candidates got $3.7 million split in varying amounts among their campaigns.

Candidates earn the money through the CFB matching funds program by meeting a two-part fundraising threshold. They must raise a specified amount in campaign donations from city residents and have a specific number of contributions from city, borough or district residents — depending on the office they’re running for.

For example, city council candidates must raise at least $5,000 from New York City residents, with only the first $175 contributed per resident counting towards the $5,000. They must also receive at least 75 contributions from residents of the district they are running to represent.

The CFB provides matching funds to candidates who meet the thresholds at a rate of $8 for every $1 received from New York City residents for a maximum payment per resident of $1,400 for city council and borough president candidates and $2,000 for citywide candidates.

The board has paid a total of nearly $48.8 million to candidates in the 2021 elections thus far. Candidates who didn’t qualify for matching funds this month will have another opportunity to do so on April 15.

After the election, candidates who have received public fund payments must return any leftover funds to the city. Each campaign must also provide detailed accounting of how the candidate spent the public money.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

May races in Queens: JFK Airport 5K, Forest Park trail classic and a Queensborough 5K

May. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The energy of May is on full display across Queens, with a lineup of local races that invite runners of all levels to hit the pavement and the trails. With mild temperatures and sunny skies setting the stage, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the spring weather before the summer heat sets in. From the Forest Park 4 Mile Road and Trail Classic to the festive Great Hawaiian Luau 5K at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, these events offer more than just a workout—they foster community spirit and personal growth. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before lacing up and heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, these May races offer a chance to challenge yourself and connect with others in motion.

Two women shot at Ocean Bay Apartments in Far Rockaway, gunman still at large: NYPD

Police from the 101st Precinct in Far Rockaway are looking for a gunman who shot two women at the Ocean Bay Apartments in Arverne on the night of Saturday, May 10.

The suspect is seen on video surveillance at around 9:35 p.m. approaching the southeast corner of the NYCHA complex at Beach 54th Street and Arverne Boulevard, where he pulled out a handgun and opened fire at a group of people, striking two women before running off. When officers responded to a 911 call of an assault in progress at the complex, which is also called the Oceanside Apartments, they found the two victims: a 34-year-old woman who was shot in both legs and a 32-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to her leg. EMS responded to the location and transported the victims to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where they were both listed in stable condition.