Politics & Government
Uptown State Senator Gets Funding Push From IDC Group: Report
Former IDC member Marisol Alcantara received $125,000 from a campaign committee that was previously investigated by the state.
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS-INWOOD, NY — An Upper Manhattan state senator facing a tough primary challenge received a late cash infusion from a campaign committee that had been investigated by the state, according to reports and public filings.
The Senate Independence Campaign Committee transferred $125,000 to campaign of State Senator Marisol Alcantara — who represents Inwood, Washington Heights and parts of Harlem and the Upper West Side — on Sept. 10, according to a campaign filing. The entity also transferred sums of money to four other candidates, all former members of the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference — a group of elected Democrats who caucused with the State Senate's Republicans.
The campaign committee dished out a total of $345,000 to the former IDC members — who have rejoined the Democratic caucus following a "unity deal" made in April. The $125,000 donation to Alcantara's campaign was the largest transfer, followed by $100,000 for former IDC leader Jeff Klein.
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Alcantara is being challenged for her seat by former City Councilman Robert Jackson. Both candidates ran for the Senate's 31s District seat after it was vacated following Adriano Espaillat's election to Congress. Alcantara won a close race in 2016, beating challengers Micah Lasher and Jackson by just hundreds of votes. This time around, Jackson has Lasher's backing.
The source of the late-stage fundraising push may raise some eyebrows, Gothamist first reported. The Senate Independence Campaign Committee has been investigated by the state board of elections and a judge ruled in June that its donations to IDC candidates were illegal, according to the report. Following the ruling, counsel for the board of elections demanded former IDC members return all the money they received from the group, Gothamist reported.
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A spokesman for Alcantara's campaign told Gothamist that the state senator "has fully complied with state election laws throughout her campaign."
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