Key facts
- Mamdani is reportedly using an NYPD gym for pickup basketball games.
- Critics allege a $1.6 million ad campaign is being used to promote ballot questions.
- The ballot questions aim to increase the mayor's power by streamlining government processes.
- Concerns exist that the ads violate laws prohibiting the use of public funds for election advocacy.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is reportedly using an NYPD gym to host pickup basketball games with friends, according to a POLITICO report. This comes as Mamdani faces criticism for allegedly weaponizing a $1.6 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign to promote five ballot questions. Critics argue these questions, selected by a commission Mamdani appointed, would exponentially increase his power under the guise of streamlining government. Council members Joann Ariola and Phil Wong have voiced strong opposition, stating the ads violate the spirit and letter of the law by attempting to influence election results rather than merely encouraging voting.