Full Breakdown
Investigation into Eric Adams' Super PAC Expenditures Raises Concerns
3/2/2026, 10:19:49 PM
Financial Irregularities in Empower NYC
An investigation into the super PAC Empower NYC, which supported former New York City Mayor Eric Adams' unsuccessful re-election campaign, has revealed over $1 million in payments to various companies, many of which lack transparency and have questionable backgrounds. The PAC's expenditures include significant payments to firms with little identifying information, raising concerns about potential corruption and mismanagement. Notably, one recipient, Tesseract Management LLC, is linked to Eldon Stone Ross, a convicted drug dealer with a history of trafficking heroin and selling Bitcoin without a license.
Connections to Indicted Associates
The PAC also funneled $292,000 to GOTV Ops Inc., a company run by Tony Herbert, a close associate of Adams. Herbert is currently facing federal accusations of accepting bribes while serving in the mayor's office. The financial dealings of Empower NYC have drawn scrutiny from good government groups, which argue that the lack of transparency in super PAC operations allows for potential misuse of campaign funds.
Allegations of Coordination with Adams' Campaign
Sources have alleged that Empower NYC had ties to Adams' campaign, suggesting that the former mayor directed donors to the PAC, which is supposed to operate independently. This raises questions about the legality of the PAC's operations, as the city’s Campaign Finance Board can impose fines for illegal coordination. Adams' spokesperson, Todd Shapiro, defended the former mayor, asserting that he adhered to both the letter and spirit of the law.
Calls for Increased Transparency
Critics, including representatives from Citizens Union and Reinvent Albany, have emphasized the need for greater transparency in super PAC expenditures. They argue that the current system allows for "pay-to-play" practices and that more stringent disclosure requirements are necessary to prevent potential corruption. Rachael Fauss, a spokeswoman for Reinvent Albany, stated that the findings underscore the need for better oversight of shell companies involved in political financing.
Conflicting Reports on Campaign Management
Further complicating the narrative, reports indicate that some payments made to Adams' campaign manager, Eugene Noh, were not disclosed in campaign finance records. Questions have been raised about whether proper boundaries were maintained between Noh and Justin Chae, a political strategist and subcontractor for Empower NYC. Chae has denied any coordination with the campaign, while Noh has not responded to requests for comment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The mayor has consistently followed both the letter and the spirit of the law throughout his public service,” — Todd Shapiro, Adams Spokesperson
- “This is pay-to-play and if our pay-to-play laws need to also look at vendors, then we need more disclosure and we need to peel back the onion more.” — Rachael Fauss, Reinvent Albany
- “If there is any New Yorker who believes that Justin and Eugene acted ethically by double-dipping into Eric Adams’ failing campaign funds, then I have some Eric bitcoins to sell them,” — Anonymous Insider
The ongoing scrutiny of Empower NYC's financial dealings highlights significant concerns regarding campaign finance practices in New York City, prompting calls for reform and increased accountability in political funding.
