Lever Time MONEYBOMB, Part 4: How Zohran Mamdani Beat Citizens United
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Nov 3, 2025 This episode features Karen Wharton, Democracy Coalition Coordinator for Citizen Action of New York, and Jillian Gilchrest, Connecticut state representative and congressional candidate. They delve into the transformative power of public campaign financing. Wharton discusses how NYC's system amplifies grassroots donations, while Gilchrest shares experiences from Connecticut’s public financing and its role in enabling her campaign. Together, they explore how public money counters the influence of corporate cash, improves representation, and fosters grassroots engagement.
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Public Money Made Mamdani Viable
- Public financing enabled Zohran Mamdani to run a competitive mayoral campaign despite billionaire opposition.
- The system amplified small-dollar donors into a viable war chest and voter outreach engine.
How NYC Matching Funds Work
- Karen Wharton explains NYC candidates must meet small-donor thresholds to qualify for matching funds.
- A $10 donation can become $90 with the city's 8-to-1 match, boosting grassroots impact.
Small Donors Become Campaign Labor
- Public financing turns small donors into volunteers and builds campaign infrastructure.
- Karen links low-dollar donors to higher volunteer rates and stronger grassroots campaigns.
