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By Rachel Dobkin
Weekend Reporter
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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has seen a surge in donations as his re-election year kicks off.
Why It Matters
Bragg, a Democrat, is up for re-election this year after serving as Manhattan district attorney since 2022. He made national attention by prosecuting President Donald Trump's hush money trial last year.
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The district attorney has faced tons of scrutiny from Trump's allies as the president has maintained his innocence and claimed the case hush money case was politically motivated against him. He also has faced criticism for being soft on crime, but Bragg seems to have shifted focus. During his first campaign in the 2021 election cycle, he focused on criminal justice reform, now his campaign website says his top priority is "ending the scourge of gun violence" and that he's "cracking down on illegal cannabis stores."
What To Know
According to the New York State Board of Elections, Bragg has raised $185,157.09 in contributions from January 1, 2025, to February 12, 2025.
Candidates historically see an influx in donations the closer it gets to an election.
In the months leading up to the 2024 general election, fewer contributions were flowing in for Bragg as the nation was focused on the race between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as other down-ballot races.
From August 29, 2024, to November 4, 2024, Bragg only raised $60,042.00 in contributions, according to the Board of Elections. Post-election—from November 5, 2024, to February 12, 2025—Bragg raised $221,587.09 in contributions from November 5, 2024, to February 12, 2025, with the majority raised in the first month and a half of this year.
Richard Fife, Senior Advisor for Alvin Bragg for DA, told Newsweek via email on Wednesday: "People across Manhattan are coming together to support Alvin Bragg's record of reducing gun violence, investing in mental health outreach, standing up for victims, and holding the powerful accountable. We know safety concerns are real, and we've got a lot of work ahead of us, but we are inspired, excited, and appreciative of the support Alvin is receiving."
Meanwhile, Bragg's Republican opponent, criminal defense attorney Maud Maron**,** has raised $15,237.26 from January 1, 2025, to February 12, 2025, according to the Board of Elections. She's raised $68,774.35 in contributions in total since August 29, 2024.
Maron told the New York Post in an article published in November 2024, "Just over the past few days, there were three stabbings across Manhattan. As a criminal defense lawyer I advocated for my clients and Manhattan needs an advocate now more than ever."
"Our communities need someone who will fight for everyone. From school children to seniors and underserved communities to small business owners, all of us deserve a safe and prosperous New York City. Most of us can remember living in a much safer city and we want that city back," Maron said.
After Newsweek reached out to Maron's campaign via social media direct message on Wednesday, the team responded that the campaign hasn't officially launched yet.
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Details About Trump's Hush Money Case
In May 2024, a New York jury found Trump, guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels shortly before his first presidential election in 2016. Daniels alleges she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which he denies.
Less than two weeks before his January inauguration, the judge presiding over the case, Juan Merchan gave him an unconditional discharge, meaning that he would not be punished with prison time, fines or community service. He does, however, have felonies on his criminal record, which changed some things for him moving forward such as his ability to own a gun.
What People Are Saying
Chris Coffey, CEO of political strategy firm Tusk Strategies, told Politico in an article published January 14, "I'm sure there are plenty of Upper West Siders who cheer [Bragg] on for maintaining the rule of law," referring to Trump's hush money conviction.
"I think there are other folks who would say: Hey, shouldn't our focus be making sure the city is safe? During times when folks feel public safety is the No. 1 concern, I think you see elected officials become more moderate," he added.
What Happens Next
Bragg is running largely unopposed. He did not have a challenger in this year's Democratic primary as of mid-January, and it will be difficult for his Republican opponent to win in the deeply Democratic area. But the New York Post's editorial board said in a November 2024 article that the race for Manhattan district attorney is "a winnable race for Republicans."
Update 2/12/25, 9:46 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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