Cuomo's campaign unlocked matching funds on donations from minors in violation of CFB rules
Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral campaign unlocked $4,000 in public matching funds off of donations made in the names of minors in violation of fundraising compliance laws, according to records reviewed by the Daily News. The donors whose contributions produced the questionable matching cash include a 5-year-old son of a prominent Cuomo supporter, the records show.
Under the city Campaign Finance Board’s matching funds program, mayoral candidates can get any donation from a local resident matched eightfold with taxpayer funds up to $250, providing a big incentive as every eligible contribution can be worth an extra $2,000 in public money. The program’s rules are strict and include a prohibition on candidates seeking matching funds on donations from anyone under 18.
Still, records show Cuomo’s campaign secured $2,000 in matching cash off a $250 donation made on March 6 by the 5-year-old son of Marc Schneier, a Long Island rabbi who has called Cuomo “a dear friend” and hosts him for speaking engagements at his synagogue in the Hamptons.
The donation from the boy, whose occupation is listed as “student,” was made via credit card, filings show. The contribution came after Marc Schneier chipped in $2,100 — the legal max — to Cuomo’s campaign March 1, the same day the ex-governor officially launched his mayoral bid.
https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/09/10/cuomos-campaign-unlocked-matching-funds-on-donations-from-minors-in-violation-of-cfb-rules/