What does it mean to run a grassroots campaign? For most New Yorkers, it evokes images of unpaid neighbors pounding pavement, rallying for change—not hundreds of thousands of dollars quietly funneled into consultants and payroll. After all, if your campaign bankrolls paid organizers while calling the work “volunteered,” is it still grassroots—or just exploitation with a press release?
That contradiction lies at the heart of Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani’s bid for mayor. A self-proclaimed democratic socialist, Mamdani recently declared, “Nearly 37,000 petition signatures. All collected by volunteers.” — Zohran Mamdani on Twitter The statement conjures an image of a people-powered movement—but the campaign’s financial disclosures tell a very different story.
And it raises a fundamental question: if Mamdani is relying on unpaid volunteers to fuel his campaign while simultaneously cutting checks to consultants and staffers, isn’t that just exploiting the working class in the name of the working class? He can’t have it both ways.
Financial Discrepancies
According to the New York City Campaign Finance Board, Mamdani’s campaign has reported significant expenditures that seem at odds with the volunteer-centric image projected. Notably, the campaign has allocated substantial funds towards consulting services and payroll expenses.
Consulting Services
In the latest campaign finance filings, Mamdani’s campaign reported payments totaling approximately $145,720.21 to various consulting firms. These firms are typically hired to provide strategic advice, manage campaign operations, and handle communications—roles that, in a genuinely volunteer-driven campaign, might be filled by dedicated supporters donating their time and expertise.
Payroll Expenses
Beyond consulting fees, the campaign’s payroll expenses are equally noteworthy. Records indicate that the campaign has spent around $224,600.43 on salaries and wages. This figure encompasses payments to staff members responsible for organizing events, coordinating volunteer activities, and other essential campaign functions. While it’s standard for campaigns to employ staff, the magnitude of these expenses raises questions about the extent to which the campaign relies on unpaid volunteers versus compensated personnel.
The Socialist Who Outsourced the Revolution
It’s one thing for a corporate-backed candidate to lean on paid consultants and campaign staff. But when a self-identified democratic socialist raises his profile by touting a massive volunteer operation—all while spending $145,720,21 on consultants and $224,600.43 total on operations—it invites a deeper question:
Is Zohran Mamdani’s campaign a grassroots movement, or just another political machine dressed in red?
More pointedly:
If you’re asking working-class New Yorkers to donate their time to collect signatures, while campaign cash flows freely to consultants and paid operatives—is that grassroots organizing, or the exploitation of free labor under a socialist banner?
Contradictions in Messaging
The juxtaposition of Mamdani’s public statements and his campaign’s financial outlays presents a potential contradiction. Promoting a narrative centered on volunteerism while simultaneously investing heavily in paid consultants and staff can be perceived as disingenuous. Voters may wonder: if the campaign is genuinely volunteer-driven, why are such significant sums being directed towards paid services?
Implications for Voters
Transparency and consistency are paramount in political campaigns. When candidates’ actions align with their rhetoric, it fosters trust and credibility among constituents. Conversely, discrepancies between proclaimed values and actual practices can lead to skepticism and erode public confidence. For voters who prioritize grassroots movements and volunteerism, understanding the true nature of a campaign’s operations is crucial in making informed decisions at the ballot box.
Conclusion
While it’s not uncommon for political campaigns to incur expenses related to staffing and consulting, it’s essential for candidates to ensure that their public messaging accurately reflects their campaign’s operations. In the case of Zohran Mamdani, the significant expenditures on consultants and payroll stand in stark contrast to the image of a volunteer-driven movement. As the mayoral race progresses, voters should critically assess candidates’ claims and seek transparency in how campaigns are conducted.
Written by: Sam Antar
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