New York lobbying firm Brown & Weinraub has launched its own super PAC. The group, called New York Forward, gives the firm’s clients another way to support candidates who share their policy goals.
According to New York Focus, New York Forward appears to be the first super PAC of its kind in New York. The group has received large donations from clients such as prediction-market company Kalshi and the Chinese American Independent Practice Association.
New York Forward Links Lobbying and Political Spending
Brown & Weinraub created New York Forward for use across different races. The super PAC can support candidates based on the policy interests of the firm’s clients.
CAIPA’s political arm gave $147,500 to the super PAC. Kalshi gave another $400,000 ahead of the November election.
Both groups are clients of Brown & Weinraub lobbyist Evan Rantzaklis. He also serves as a senior adviser to New York Forward.
The super PAC has already spent money on state lawmakers. It spent $22,000 to support Queens state Sen. Joseph Addabbo, who chairs the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee.
Addabbo has worked on legislation involving online prediction markets. That issue is important to Kalshi, one of the committee’s donors.
New York Forward also spent $107,000 to support Manhattan Assemblymember Grace Lee. Lee won the Democratic primary for an open state Senate seat.
Brown & Weinraub has lobbied Lee’s staff on legislation affecting CAIPA members. Lee’s campaign said her position on the legislation came before that lobbying work.
New York’s Board of Elections allows independent expenditure committees to accept contributions without an overall limit. These groups must still report their independent spending.
What Super PACs Mean for NYC Campaigns
The New York Forward model shows why NYC candidates need to understand outside political spending. Super PACs can spend money to support or oppose candidates. However, they cannot coordinate that spending with a candidate’s campaign.
For City Council candidates, outside groups can shape the messages voters see. Candidates should track independent spending and understand the rules for reporting it.
Campaign finance research also goes beyond a candidate’s own fundraising. Donors, lobbying firms, advocacy groups and super PACs can all play a role in an election.
For first-time candidates, it helps to understand how these groups work. Candidates should know who is paying for political ads and other campaign messages.
The launch of New York Forward shows how lobbying and political spending can overlap in New York elections. For NYC candidates, understanding these groups is an important part of campaign preparation.
Related Reading
New York Forward is a super PAC created by lobbying firm Brown & Weinraub to support candidates across New York based on the interests of its clients.
No. New York independent expenditure committees must operate independently and cannot coordinate with candidates or their authorized committees.
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