A super PAC focused on undermining mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has been caught using stock images of models masquerading as regular New Yorkers in its advertising campaigns, but the ploy hasn’t gone unnoticed.
New Yorkers for a Better Future aimed its misleading ads at social media users, attempting to portray the Democratic contender as likable but unqualified for the responsibilities of the position—however, the so-called ordinary citizens featured in the ads have been previously spotted in other marketing efforts.
One of the ads features a woman introduced as Robinette, 55, from the Bronx, claiming, “He sounds nice. But Mamdani has zero experience.” However, the same image of Robinette is also visible on a website aimed at supporting caregivers for dementia patients.
Another advertisement highlights a woman named Ling, 51, from Chinatown, who states, “He’s a good man with bad ideas. That’s why I won’t vote for Mamdani.” In another twist, this very woman also appears on a different advertising platform.
This super PAC is financed by Jeffrey Leb of Capitol Partners and several prominent real estate entities including Lightstone Real Estate, Sterling Holdings, and Marty Burger, the former CEO of Silverstein Properties.
Having amassed nearly $2 million in funding since October, the group has yet to make significant headway in swaying voters away from the Queens socialist, who has faced criticism for his radical leftist agenda and ambitious proposals to increase corporate taxes and raise levies on the wealthy.
“Should we still heed the advice of these industry titans terrified of Mamdani ruining the city while they manage to become a national disgrace?” a Democratic operative posed to The Post.
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A PAC supporting Andrew Cuomo’s campaign, Fix the City, which has generated over $27 million since the former governor’s candidacy launch, has also encountered similar blunders.
Just before the primaries, Mamdani publicly called out the Bill Ackman-backed faction for allegedly distributing campaign mailers that unfairly altered his appearance.
A report from the government accountability group Citizens Union revealed that despite the $46 million funneled through PACs in the city’s primary elections—most supported candidates didn’t achieve victory.
“They have failed. In most tightly contested races where Super PAC expenditures on either side were substantial, their favored candidates ended up losing,” the report stated.
Now, with Mamdani leading the polls by a considerable 20-percentage point margin as the general election approaches in November, it seems some major spending organizations are in a difficult spot.
“After countless scheming and an influx of cash from real estate moguls, all they could come up with are stock images and fabricated quotes,” remarked Mamdani spokesperson Dora Pekec.
“The momentum behind Zohran’s campaign is unmistakable, and New Yorkers are clearly indicating they desire a city that remains affordable,” Pekec concluded.
