A Chinese entrepreneur with significant connections to the Chinese Communist Party has invested at least $65,000 into Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s campaign for New Jersey governor, according to financial records.
Pin Ni, who founded Wanxiang America Corporation, wrote checks totaling at least $60,000 this year for the One Giant Leap super PAC that supports Sherrill in her competition against Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli.
Additionally, he contributed another $5,800 — the maximum permissible amount — directly to Sherrill’s campaign in June, as documented in the records.
Only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are permitted to donate to political campaigns. While there are uncertainties about Pin’s residency status, records imply he possesses a Social Security number.
Furthermore, Pin has also supported Sherrill’s congressional campaign for 2024 with donations amounting to $14,500 across the last two election cycles.
Wanxiang America is a subsidiary of Wanxiang Group, a major Chinese conglomerate recognized as the foremost auto parts manufacturer in China.
The company’s late founder, Lu Guanqiu, was hailed as an exemplary member of the Communist Party in China, as highlighted in a press release from 2021.
“The donor, Pin Ni, has a substantial record of facilitating the CCP’s political influence operations in the U.S. and generally aligns with the party’s directives,” stated Michael Lucci, Founder and CEO of State Armor, a nonprofit advocating policies against the CCP, in remarks to The Post.
Lucci criticized the acceptance of Pin’s funds as “disqualifying,” asserting that it allows him to “purchase political influence.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama has accused Wanxiang Group of having extensive ties with the CCP, referring to a 2023 letter where he noted Guanqiu’s election as a Communist Party representative and a delegate for the Chinese National People’s Congress.
This letter raised concerns about Wanxiang Group’s business engagements with U.S. companies.
After Guanqiu’s passing, control of the company transitioned to his son, Lu Weiding, and son-in-law, Pin, as reported by Forbes.
Pin established Wanxiang’s Chicago branch in 1994. In a Bloomberg interview last year, he expressed frustration about increasing difficulties in conducting business in the U.S.
“Business partners are hesitant to engage with a company linked to China due to fears of potential governmental issues,” he told the outlet in May 2024. “Significant business prospects have been thwarted because of these concerns.”
The Sherrill campaign did not respond to a request for comment regarding Pin’s financial contributions.
No response was received to a message sent to Pin.
Over the years, he has donated to individuals from both parties, including Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, according to reports from Fox News and Virginia Scope.
Spanberger was Sherrill’s former roommate during their time as House Democrats.
This August, he also contributed $6,000 to the Republican National Committee, as per Federal Election Commission records.
Pin has held memberships in various organizations, including the China General Chamber of Commerce – USA and the China Institute.
As the election day approaches, the contest between Sherrill and her Republican challenger, business mogul and state representative Jack Ciattarelli, is becoming increasingly competitive. Currently, Sherrill holds a 4-point advantage, based on the latest RealClearPolitics aggregate.
Recently, tensions have escalated, with Ciattarelli hinting at legal action against Sherrill for her allegations that he profited from the opioid crisis through his previous medical publishing firm.
