With funding approved in the state budget, a new program that matches small-dollar donations could allow candidates to run campaigns supported by everyday New Yorkers.
by David Moore, Sludge
Campaigns for state offices in New York have long relied on wealthy donors and special interests for their funding, but more will soon be powered by small-dollar donations from everyday New Yorkers.
In the New York state budget they passed this week, lawmakers included $39.5 million in funding for the state’s new public campaign financing program. The Brennan Center for Justice and other campaign finance reform advocates applauded the funding’s approval.

The program, which will be in effect starting in the 2024 elections, will offer candidates public matching funds for small contributions they raise, amplifying small-dollar donations of up to $250. Candidates for statewide office who choose to participate in the program would be eligible for public matching funds of $1,500 for a $250 contribution, while candidates for state legislative office would be eligible for a public match of up to $2,300 for a $250 contribution.
Recent Posts
Gavin Newsom’s last budget belies his ‘California for All’ pledge
February 24, 2026
Take Action Now Yet, even as the state is poised to lose billions in federal funding, and millions of Californians are losing access to health care…
Israel and American Hawks are Pushing U.S. to Iran War With Catastrophic Consequences
February 23, 2026
Take Action Now At the World Health Assembly in May, member states may endorse an unprecedented strategy declaring that health is not a cost – but…
A Child’s View of the Attack on Venezuela. And a Peace Flotilla
February 23, 2026
Take Action Now At the World Health Assembly in May, member states may endorse an unprecedented strategy declaring that health is not a cost – but…
How to Organize Safely in the Age of Surveillance
February 22, 2026
Take Action Now From threat modeling to encrypted collaboration apps, we’ve collected experts’ tips and tools for safely and effectively building a…




