As the primary election in New York City approaches, the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) announced on May 12th the latest round of public matching funds allocation. Democratic candidate Phil Wong from the 30th district of the City Council received an impressive matching fund of $138,130, making him the fundraising leader among Democratic candidates in that district.
Wong’s total fundraising amount has now reached $161,140, surpassing Dermot Smyth, a coordinator from the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), by about $9,000 and outpacing another candidate, local roller hockey league operator Paul Pogozelski, by $40,000.
Phil Wong currently serves as the budget and constituent services director in Council Member Robert Holden’s office in the 30th district. He has received the endorsement of Holden. Wong is also the chair of the Coalition of Asian American Children and Families of New York (CACAGNY) and the former chair of Community Education Council for District 24, where he was the only Asian chair among the 32 district education councils in New York City, earning him the accolade of being named in City & State’s “Education Power 100”.
Previously at a fundraising disadvantage, Wong’s significant boost in campaign strength with this round of matching funds injection is notable. Among the four major candidates in the 30th district, including Republican candidate Alicia Vaichunas, the deputy chief of staff in Council Member Robert Holden’s office, all have now received CFB matching funds. Vaichunas remains the candidate with the highest amount of matching funds in the entire district, with her current fundraising total reaching $182,121 including the matching funds.
The CFB indicates that obtaining matching funds is an important indicator that candidates have broad grassroots support and also highlights their financial compliance and fundraising abilities.
The next round of matching funds will be distributed on May 30th, with less than a month remaining until the primary election day on June 24th. Analysts point out that as the matching funds continue to flow in, the dynamics of the election will adjust accordingly. Particularly in local elections, matching funds often become a crucial tool for candidates to bridge the gap and increase visibility.