What a joke!
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is experiencing a surge in campaign donations as he gears up for his re-election bid in 2025. A Democrat who has held office since 2022, Bragg became a national figure due to his prosecution of former President Donald Trump over the hush money scandal. While Bragg’s legal actions against Trump have drawn intense scrutiny from Trump supporters, with the former president claiming the case is politically motivated, Bragg has also been criticized for his approach to crime in Manhattan.
Bragg, who previously emphasized criminal justice reform during his 2021 campaign, now appears to be shifting his focus. His current campaign platform emphasizes “ending the scourge of gun violence” and cracking down on illegal cannabis stores. These priorities reflect a significant change from his earlier stance, which was seen as more lenient on crime. With public safety becoming an increasingly important issue in New York, Bragg is now positioning himself as tough on crime to address growing concerns from residents.
According to the New York State Board of Elections, Bragg has raised over $185,000 from January 1 to February 12, 2025, signaling a growing base of financial support as the election draws nearer. Historically, election cycles tend to boost fundraising efforts, and Bragg’s campaign is no exception. However, Bragg’s fundraising had slowed in the latter part of 2024, during the national spotlight on the presidential race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. From August 2024 to November 2024, he raised just over $60,000, but post-election donations have surged, with Bragg raising more than $220,000 between November 2024 and February 2025.
In contrast, Bragg’s Republican challenger, criminal defense attorney Maud Maron, has raised a fraction of that amount. Maron has collected about $15,000 in the same period, with total contributions of around $68,000 since late summer 2024. Maron has made crime and public safety the focus of her campaign, highlighting violent incidents like stabbings in Manhattan and emphasizing the need for stronger law enforcement in the city. “Our communities need someone who will fight for everyone,” Maron said in an interview, stressing that New Yorkers deserve a safer city.
Despite the growing attention to public safety, Bragg appears to have the upper hand in the race. While the Democratic primary remains unchallenged, Maron faces the daunting task of overcoming Manhattan’s overwhelmingly Democratic voter base. Still, some commentators believe the district attorney’s race could be winnable for Republicans, especially if concerns about crime continue to dominate the public discourse.
Chris Coffey, CEO of Tusk Strategies, suggested that while some Manhattan residents support Bragg for his role in holding Trump accountable, many New Yorkers are prioritizing safety and may demand more from their elected officials. This shift in focus could push Bragg toward a more moderate stance as he seeks to secure his second term in office. As the election approaches, it will be crucial to watch how the debate over public safety shapes the race for Manhattan District Attorney.