New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has been referred to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for potential review of campaign finance violations, according to recent reports.
The Coolidge Reagan Foundation, a conservative watchdog group, filed two criminal referrals alleging that Mamdani’s campaign may have received donations from individuals living outside the United States — which, if verified, could violate federal and state campaign finance laws.
According to The New York Post and Times of India (October 28, 2025), records show roughly 170 contributions totaling about $13,000 from donors listing foreign addresses in countries including Australia, Canada, France, and the United Arab Emirates.
Campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec told Fox News Digital that some of the listed donors may be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who live abroad — and are legally permitted to contribute to U.S. election campaigns.
“The campaign has a rigorous compliance process to ensure adherence to federal and state campaign finance laws and will promptly refund any donations found to be impermissible,” Pekec said.
As of now, neither the Department of Justice nor the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has issued public comments or announced any formal investigation or charges.
Mamdani, who represents the progressive wing of New York politics, remains one of the leading contenders in the mayoral race. His campaign has raised about $4 million in private contributions and received $12.7 million in public matching funds under the city’s campaign finance system.