Another week, another couple mayoral PACs

And the IEs keep on coming. New York City mayoral candidates are already off to the races with fundraising for November’s general election, and the independent expenditure committees that will support (or oppose) them behind the scenes are getting a head start too.

After Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary last month, a handful of new committees popped up – both in support of and opposition to him.

And late last week, two additional committees joined the fray. Another anti-Mamdani IE called Defend NYC was registered by Jason Meister, a former Donald Trump campaign adviser and insurance specialist who told the New York Post that January 6 should be a national holiday. In a statement, Meister characterized Mamdani’s policy proposals as “reckless.”

“From eye-catching subway ads to viral TV spots, our message will be inescapable. We will blanket the city with these campaign ads, amplifying our call to restore safety, crack down on crime, and protect affordability,” Meister wrote over email. “Our ground assault will strike hard in Mamdani’s weakest districts, using data-driven tactics to crush his support where voters demand safer streets, tougher crime policies, and affordable living.” He did not say how much the committee aimed to raise and spend. The committee does not have a preferred alternative to Mamdani, he said.

Veteran political consultant Hank Sheinkopf also started another committee late last week called Protect the Protectors. Sheinkopf said he doesn’t yet know which candidate it will spend in support of, though he said it won’t be Mamdani – citing his criticism of Israel – or ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo – referencing what he called his “crappy campaign” in the primary.

Other candidates in the race include independent candidate Mayor Eric Adams, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and independent candidate Jim Walden.