The Progressive Unity Fund (PUF), a super PAC formed on May 8, shifted its financial strategy during the final weeks of the June 23 Democratic primary, moving from supporting congressional candidate Antonio Reynoso to exclusively backing incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat. According to Federal Election Commission records, the fund transferred $400,000 to a newly created super PAC, Real Fight NYC, and $239,691.68 to New York Fights to honor original earmarks for Reynoso while pivoting its remaining resources toward Espaillat’s race.
Financial Shuffling and the Creation of Real Fight NYC
PUF began raising money in early June, initially collecting $200,000 from Make the Road Action, $200,000 from the American Federation of Teachers’ super PAC AFT Solidarity, $50,000 from Two Trees Management, and nearly $40,000 from the pro-Reynoso super PAC New York Fights. As polls showed Espaillat in a tight race against challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier, consultants associated with PUF established Real Fight NYC on June 10 to handle funds originally intended for Reynoso. While PUF ultimately spent over $1.8 million on ads for Espaillat, its new entity, Real Fight NYC, raised only $700,000 total.
Donor Disclosures and Industry Ties
Campaign disclosures released in July revealed a complex donor base for both super PACs. PUF raised over $2.7 million, with its largest contribution coming from a dark money group, Next NY Inc., which provided $1.45 million. Additional major donors to PUF included real estate figures Gary Barnett of Extell Development ($150,000) and members of the Rudin family, who contributed a combined $100,000. Pro-Israel donors, including Daniel Lubetzky and John Fish, also contributed $100,000 to PUF, and the PAC received $26,139.05 from NORPAC on the day of the primary.
Real Fight NYC’s funding sources were the subject of scrutiny after candidate Claire Valdez and her consultant, Morris Katz, questioned whether the PAC acted as a conduit for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). On July 15, the PAC disclosed it received $400,000 from PUF and $300,000 from Next NY Inc. AFT President Randi Weingarten stated the union had received assurances that Real Fight NYC did not accept money from AIPAC.
Context of the Primary Battles
The spending spree occurred as two New York Democrats faced stiff competition from candidates backed by the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Make the Road Action, which endorsed Reynoso in his race against Assembly Member Claire Valdez, confirmed its $200,000 donation was intended specifically for his campaign. The organization remained neutral in the Espaillat race.
Potential Future Implications
The reliance on dark money groups like Next NY Inc. and the complex transfers between PACs could lead to increased calls for stricter disclosure requirements in future primary cycles. Because the identities of donors to Next NY Inc. remain unknown, transparency advocates and political opponents may continue to pressure regulators for more granular reporting.