A New York City nonprofit, La Jornada, has come under scrutiny after video footage surfaced showing its director allegedly advising a supposed noncitizen on how to vote illegally in the mayoral election. The footage, released by O’Keefe Media Group (OMG), features an undercover journalist posing as an unregistered immigrant asking Pedro Rodriguez, the nonprofit’s director, how to navigate the voting process and whom to support. Rodriguez reportedly gave instructions that could allow a noncitizen to participate in the election and hinted at voting for a candidate whose name “starts with ‘M.’” Voting as a noncitizen is illegal in New York, though enforcement and verification mechanisms are not always robust. Rodriguez later denied directing the journalist to support any specific candidate, despite the recorded exchange.
The controversy centers on Zohran Mamdani, who won the mayoral race, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani is a self-described democratic socialist and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). He is publicly listed by the DSA as one of nine “New York State Socialists in Office.” During the campaign, the NYC DSA chapter reportedly worked to present Mamdani as a moderate candidate, downplaying the group’s more radical positions while maintaining his affiliation with the broader socialist agenda. Internal DSA documents suggest plans to influence city policy, including advancing anti-Israel positions, signaling that Mamdani’s election could impact policy direction in New York City.
La Jornada, the nonprofit at the center of the video, describes its mission as assisting migrants with paperwork, legal aid, and navigating bureaucratic systems. However, the OMG footage has raised questions about potential violations of both federal and state election laws. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status are legally prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity. Providing guidance on how to vote illegally, or even appearing to endorse a candidate, could constitute a breach of these regulations. The controversy has therefore sparked debate over nonprofit neutrality and legal compliance in politically sensitive environments.
The footage and allegations have broader implications for election security in New York City. While noncitizen voting is illegal, verification systems are limited, meaning that guidance encouraging illegal participation could pose risks to election integrity. The incident highlights the challenges of ensuring lawful participation while balancing civic engagement efforts directed at immigrant communities. Critics argue that nonprofits must exercise caution when advising residents on civic matters, especially during election cycles, to avoid undermining the democratic process.
This case also underscores the influence of activist organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America on local elections. Mamdani’s campaign benefited from strategic support by the DSA, which sought to maintain his socialist affiliations while presenting a more moderate public image. The coordination between nonprofit actors and political campaigns raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the intersection of grassroots movements with formal electoral politics. Observers are examining whether such collaborations, even when indirect, may shape election outcomes or public policy priorities.
Ultimately, the La Jornada controversy and Mamdani’s election illustrate the tension between progressive grassroots activism and established legal frameworks. While nonprofits play a critical role in assisting immigrant communities, they must navigate the fine line between civic support and unlawful political involvement. Meanwhile, Mamdani’s victory signals the continued influence of the DSA and similar organizations in New York politics, prompting scrutiny from both media and regulatory authorities. The situation serves as a cautionary tale about the potential legal and ethical consequences when advocacy intersects with partisan politics.
