By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK (August 23, 2026)

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing an ethics complaint accusing him of using official city platforms and resources to promote Democratic candidates.

The complaint, filed by government watchdog Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), asks the New York City Conflicts of Interest Board to examine several instances in which Mamdani publicly endorsed political candidates while appearing at official city events.

FACT cited a 2009 advisory from the board that cautioned city officials against using municipal resources or their official positions to support political campaigns.

The group identified three incidents since Mamdani took office. In February, he endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s reelection campaign during a press conference focused on universal childcare and later reiterated the endorsement in an opinion piece. In April, he backed Lindsey Boylan’s unsuccessful City Council campaign during another official press event.

Then, in June, while speaking publicly about a heat wave, Mamdani endorsed eight Democratic primary candidates: Claire Valdez, Darializa Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander, Aber Kawas, Eli Northrup, Illapa Sairitupac, Samantha Kattan and Brian Romero.

FACT argues that the use of city resources is particularly significant because Mamdani appeared in front of the official New York City seal during each event, while his administration also published transcripts of the remarks on the city’s website.

The watchdog is asking the Conflicts of Interest Board to investigate the allegations and determine whether disciplinary action or other penalties are warranted.

“Using public resources for political activity gives those in power an unfair advantage,” FACT Executive Director Kendra Arnold said, arguing that such conduct can undermine public confidence and the integrity of the political process.