FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brooklyn, NY – Nickie Kane, candidate for New York City Council in District 39, has announced that she will not participate in an upcoming candidate forum moderated by Ben Max of Max Politics, citing her commitment to a campaign fueled by hard work and direct engagement with her constituents rather than big-money donors and political interests.
“My campaign has always been about the people of this district, not the deep pockets of outside interests,” said Kane. “Each and every signature collected to get me on the ballot was personally gathered, and I am proud that my campaign is driven by my own determination and dedication—not by corporate donors or special interest groups. I like looking the people of the district in the eye and hearing their stories and finding out what they need.”
Kane, a community-focused leader who has built her campaign from the ground up, points out that she only received one campaign donation of $10—a stark contrast to the large fundraising efforts of many of her opponents. “The $10 donation proves that big money is not a necessity in a fair and democratic process,” Kane said. “My work ethic and my vision for the future of District 39 will be what guides me, not the financial backing of people or organizations that don’t have a stake in our community.”
Kane’s decision to forgo the forum comes amid mounting concerns over the influence of out-of-district donations in local elections. “I believe candidates should not accept donations from individuals or groups who do not live in the district, let alone those who reside outside of New York State. Our local elections should not be for sale to the highest bidder,” Kane asserted. “While others may rely on questionable sources of funding, I will continue to focus on the people who matter most: the residents of District 39.”
This statement echoes concerns raised by progressive groups across the city. For example, a recent article in City & State highlights calls for candidates to return donations from Republican donors, underscoring the importance of transparency and integrity in political fundraising (City & State, March 2025). Another City & State piece underscores how some City Council candidates are aggressively pursuing fundraising from non-local sources, a practice Kane believes weakens the voice of local communities (City & State, October 2024).
Moreover, NY Focus reported earlier this year on the growing issue of out-of-state funding in local elections, with experts expressing concerns that such practices could skew policy decisions and give undue influence to external interests (NY Focus, March 2025). Kane has made it clear that she will not be swayed by such forces.
As the campaign moves forward, Kane will continue her efforts to engage directly with constituents, prioritizing face-to-face conversations and town halls over the influence of deep-pocketed political players.
“Politics is about service to the people, not about how much money you can raise,” Kane concluded. “The residents of District 39 deserve a representative who works for them, not for those who stand to profit from their votes.”
About Nickie Kane:
Nickie Kane is a community advocate and grassroots leader running for New York City Council in District 39. With a commitment to serving the people and improving the quality of life for all residents, Kane’s campaign is built on hard work, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the power of local democracy.
Media Contact:
Nickie Kane Campaign
Email: contact@nickiekane.com
Website: www.nickiekane.com
Citations:
- City & State, “Progressive Group Calls for Democratic City Council Candidate to Return Money from Republican Donors” [March 2025]. Link
- City & State, “These NYC Council Challengers Are Fundraising Aggressively” [October 2024]. Link
- NY Focus, “New York City Council & Mayor Election: Israel, Palestine, and the Political Influence of Donations” [March 2025]. Link
