Fact Check: Cuomo faced over $25 million in outside spending against Mamdani.

Fact Check: "Cuomo faced over $25 million in outside spending against Mamdani."

What We Know

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's campaign for mayor has been significantly bolstered by outside spending, particularly from a super PAC named Fix the City. This group has raised approximately $25 million to support Cuomo's candidacy and to target his main rival, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, with negative advertisements (New York Times). The funding sources for this super PAC include notable figures such as former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who contributed $8.3 million, and other wealthy donors like DoorDash and investor Bill Ackman (New York Times, City Journal).

Mamdani has criticized this influx of funds, arguing that it reflects Cuomo's ties to corporate interests and the political elite (New York Times). In contrast, Mamdani's campaign has received far less support from super PACs, totaling around $1.7 million (Rolling Stone).

Analysis

The claim that Cuomo faced over $25 million in outside spending against Mamdani is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reports that the $25 million raised by Fix the City is a record for a New York City mayoral campaign (New York Times). This amount is significant, especially considering that it is projected to be three times the legal spending limit for Cuomo's own campaign (New York Times).

The sources used in this fact-check are reliable, with the New York Times being a well-respected publication known for its thorough reporting. The information from Rolling Stone and City Journal also supports the claim, providing additional context about the financial dynamics of the race. The consistency across these sources regarding the $25 million figure lends credibility to the claim.

However, it is important to note that while the super PAC's spending is substantial, Mamdani's campaign has also been effective, as evidenced by his recent primary victory (Guardian). This suggests that despite the overwhelming financial backing for Cuomo, voter sentiment can still favor a candidate like Mamdani, who represents a progressive platform.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Cuomo faced over $25 million in outside spending against Mamdani is accurate. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that the Fix the City super PAC has raised this amount to support Cuomo's campaign and attack Mamdani. The financial landscape of this election highlights the significant influence of outside spending in political races, particularly in high-stakes environments like New York City.

Sources

1. With $25 Million, Pro-Cuomo Super PAC Shatters Outside Spending Records
2. Live Updates: 'We Have Won,' Mamdani Says, as Cuomo ...
3. New York's Mayoral Election Will Be the Strangest in Decades
4. Cuomo Allies Dump Millions Into NYC Mayoral Race - Rolling Stone
5. Zohran Mamdani declares historic victory in New York City ...