Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Bloomberg Spent $102 Million On Campaign
By
Ben Muessig
Published Nov 28, 2009
Modified Nov 28, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Muessig
Published Nov 28, 2009
Modified Nov 28, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
In his race for a third term, the richest man in New York City spent an astounding $102 million of his $17 billion fortune. New filings reveal that Mayor Bloomberg shelled out about $174.53 per vote in his narrower-than-expected victory over Democratic challenger Bill Thompson, far exceeding his expenditures of $85 million in 2005 and $74 million in 2001, according to the Times.
Much of the money was spent on the mayor's ubiquitous TV ads, but the Post takes a look at a few less obvious expenditures, including $1,000 per day for snacks and beverages and $1.90 at a 99-cent store. Thompson's official numbers will be released on Monday, but a source told the Daily News that he shelled out about $8.3 million, or about $15.51 per vote. That would mean that Bloomberg — who used his own cash — outspent Thompson — who relied on donations and matching funds — by a ratio of about 12 to 1. According to the Times, Bloomberg's expenditures might continue to rise because he hasn't yet paid out his post-election bonuses, which in past campaigns have exceeded $300,000. But considering how tight the race turned out to be, some campaign staffers worry they won't receive any bonuses at all.
Good government folks were appalled by the Mayor's decision to avoid the campaign finance system by using his own funds. "It's beyond embarrassing," declared Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause New York. "These are astronomical figures. They're higher than the budgets of a lot of cities." But campaign spokesman Howard Wolfson said the massive amount of money was necessary. "Losing is embarrassing. We recognized the strong national anti-incumbent mood early and ensured that we overcame it."
Tagged
$102 million
2009 NYC Election
bill thompson
campaign finance
mayor bloomberg
Ben Muessig
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Hochul names NY AG James as special prosecutor on alleged rape case at Cornell University
The governor said she does not have faith that the police and the Tompkins County DA effectively investigated the case.
By
Jon Campbell
Published Oct 1, 2026 at 9:04 p.m. ET
Founder of NYC LGBTQ therapy practice charged with rape after alleged sexual assaults
Joseph LoGiudice is the second therapist at Liberation Psychotherapy to be accused of sexually abusing a patient.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Founder of NYC LGBTQ therapy practice charged with rape after alleged sexual assaults
Joseph LoGiudice is the second therapist at Liberation Psychotherapy to be accused of sexually abusing a patient.
By
Giulia Heyward
US judge in NY indefinitely blocks ICE from making arrests at immigration courthouses
By
Arya Sundaram
Lawyer challenging NYC rent freeze releases Mamdani officials’ emails and text messages
By
David Brand
Push to strengthen NY sexual assault laws gathers steam after Cornell rape allegations
By
Walter Wuthmann
and
Jon Campbell
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .