NYC officials fined for illegal campaigning and fundraising for Kamala Harris and Eric Adams.
City Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and former NYPD Assistant Commissioner Gui An Lin have both agreed to pay fines after acknowledging that they misused their government positions for political fundraising activities related to their respective connections to prominent political figures. Records released by the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board indicate that Rodriguez will be fined ,750 for actions taken during a Department of Transportation (DOT) event in the Bronx last August, where he encouraged attendees to support former Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Rodriguez, who has led the DOT since January 2022, admitted to wearing a government-owned T-shirt featuring the DOT logo while giving a speech in which he urged the crowd to back Harris’s candidacy. The board’s paperwork emphasizes that he was previously counseled on the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between his official duties and personal political activities, in alignment with city ethics laws that prohibit public servants from utilizing municipal resources for non-city purposes.
This disciplinary action serves as a reminder of the ethical standards expected of high-ranking public officials. The board’s decision to impose a fine reflects not only Rodriguez’s status as a long-serving public servant, but also the necessity for adherence to established city regulations.
Gui An Lin, who was recently an aide to former NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban, faces a more substantial fine of ,000. He is implicated in raising approximately ,100 for Mayor Adams’s 2025 campaign through a series of donations collected during June 2024, despite clear instructions barring him from engaging in such fundraising efforts. The Conflicts of Interest Board noted that Gui was classified as a substantial policymaker under city law, which further complicates his involvement in political fundraising.
Gui’s departure from the NYPD in January 2024 was notably preceded by reports linking him to organizations with connections to the Chinese Communist Party. These ties have raised further scrutiny regarding his role in the New York City government, especially considering his collaboration with previous aides implicated in corruption investigations.
The actions of both Rodriguez and Gui illustrate the ongoing challenges in maintaining ethical transparency within public office. As they navigate these legal repercussions, the implications for Mayor Adams and his administration continue to unfold, prompting broader discussions about accountability in city governance.
