PAC Spending in Council Races More Than Doubled, Fueled by Money from DoorDash, Airbnb and Uber
In a record-breaking season for outside spending in a New York City election, the City Council saw the sharpest surge, driven by special interest groups and corporations pushing back on efforts to expand business regulations.
While total independent spending across all primary contests rose by 12.5% from 2021, spending in Council races more than doubled, jumping from $6.6 million to $14.3 million this year. Voters likely witnessed this deluge in the profusion of ads targeting contested Council races that jammed mailboxes and airwaves alike.
Under New York State law, independent expenditure groups can spend money on advertisements supporting or opposing candidates’ campaigns, but cannot coordinate with the campaigns themselves.
Just under half of the total spending on these local races was put forth in support of incumbent candidates. In the 31 contested races, 20 incumbents prevailed.
https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/07/02/outside-spending-city-council-2025-election/