New PAC formed to attract white voters amid opposition from major donors to candidate Zohran Mamdani.

A new super PAC has emerged to support Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor, as a plethora of independent expenditure groups gears up to oppose him in the upcoming election. Formed under the auspices of Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national organization aimed at mobilizing white communities around progressive issues, the PAC was registered last Thursday. The organization, commonly referred to as SURJ, previously made headlines in the 2024 presidential elections by facilitating 2.5 million calls to voters in an effort to dissuade support for then-President Donald Trump.

The newly established PAC, named SURJ for a Livable New York, seeks to energize white working-class voters in support of Mamdani, who is known for his progressive platform that emphasizes social equity, affordable childcare, and reform in policing. Current filings indicate that SURJ for a Livable New York has yet to secure any funding. However, the PAC’s representatives express a commitment to mobilize grassroots initiatives, including a targeted plan to make 500,000 calls to white working-class voters by November to elevate Mamdani’s candidacy.

Mamdani’s platform has drawn both support and criticism. Proponents argue that his agenda, which includes anti-racism initiatives and improvements to public transportation and city-owned grocery stores, addresses critical issues. Conversely, critics have deemed his financial proposals unrealistic, with concerns centered around the necessity of imposing higher taxes on wealthier New Yorkers and large corporations operating within the city.

According to campaign finance laws, super PACs may engage in unlimited spending to support political candidates, provided that they do not coordinate with the candidates on campaign strategy. This legal framework empowers these groups to significantly influence election outcomes at both local and national levels.

Other PACs have also emerged to influence the dynamics of this mayoral race. New Yorkers for Lower Costs, focusing on aiding Mamdani, currently boasts a financial reserve of approximately 0,000. In stark contrast, most super PACs are gearing up to oppose Mamdani, with some planning rigorous advertising campaigns to highlight their interpretations of his policy agenda as detrimental.

As the election approaches, competing PACs continue to reflect a deeply polarized political landscape. Notably, Fix the City, which previously spent over million to back former Governor Andrew Cuomo, has garnered an additional million in recent months. While Fix the City has yet to endorse a specific candidate for the November election, they are anticipated to support a pro-business candidate amid Mamdani’s progressive agenda.

Mamdani’s rise in the Democratic primary showcased a highly organized campaign effort that leveraged a volunteer base to engage voters directly. As polling suggests that he may lead in the forthcoming election, the strategy and resources deployed by both supportive and opposing PACs will be pivotal in shaping the outcome of this critical race as the city grapples with questions of governance, equity, and economic policy.

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