BP Race Watch: Reynoso qualifies for city’s matching funds program

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We know 2020’s (dreadfully) not over yet, but with city elections coming up in 2021, it’s never too early to start keeping an eye on local races.

Although the positions of mayor, public advocate, comptroller and City Council are up for grabs, one we’re also keeping a close eye on is borough president.

Several candidates have emerged, including some familiar to the political scene.

Williamsburg/Bushwick Councilman Antonio Reynoso, Bed-Stuy Councilman Robert Cornegy, Jr. and preacher/activist Bishop Lamor Whitehead-Miller have already filed with the Campaign Finance Board. Another candidate, former Councilman Rafael Espinal, has dropped out of the race.

Another candidate who may enter the contest is First Lady Chirlane McCray, who has raised her political profile of late by being co-chairing in the city’s Task Force on Racial Inclusion and Equity. She has also headed up the controversial ThriveNYC initiative.

Last week, candidates faced a fundraising deadline, the first of many, and some have announced their successful filings so far.

Reynoso announced that he has met the qualifying threshold for the city’s matching funds program. In the latest filings, he brought in an additional $19,140, bringing his total up to $104,741.

His campaign has 736 individual contributors so far, the highest in the race. He also leads the race in cash on hand with over $81,000 left to use.

Cornegy, meanwhile, has raised over $192,000 total, but has spent $160,000 of it already, leaving him with a little over $32,000 left.

His campaign has had 613 contributors so far, with an average contribution size of $314. Reynoso’s average contribution size is $142.

Whitehead-Miller, according to the Campaign Finance Board, has done little fundraising so far.

We’ll keep you updated on the race as we get closer to 2021.

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