The Bronx Democratic Party has come under scrutiny for its close ties to a political consultancy run by a close ally of state senator and party chair Jamaal Bailey. Financial disclosures reveal that over $300,000 has been paid to the consultancy, London House, in recent years. Questions have been raised about whether the party is using its funds to benefit allies of party leadership rather than promoting the party itself.
The payments to London House have been for services such as administrative and operational tasks, as well as voter outreach. London House, founded by Bailey’s friend Jason Laidley, has been a lucrative business, raking in nearly $900,000 from the Bronx Democratic Party and other political campaigns since 2021. Bailey’s campaign alone has paid the firm over $88,000 since 2022.
Furthermore, other individuals associated with Bailey and the party have received payments from the Bronx party’s housekeeping account. Dominique Maddox, a former staffer on Bailey’s Senate team, received $24,000 for “professional services.” Maddox has deep ties to party honchos, including Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. She listed Heastie’s personal residence as her home address, and Heastie’s spokesperson described her as being like a daughter to him.
The use of funds from the housekeeping account for campaign-like activities has raised concerns about potential violations of campaign finance laws. Despite these issues, the Bronx Democratic Party continues to engage with London House and other well-connected recipients for various services. The close relationships between party leaders, their allies, and the consultancy have sparked further scrutiny into the party’s financial practices.
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