Learn More Public Campaign Finance Board
Background
The Public Campaign Finance Board (PCFB) was established by Part ZZZ of Chapter 58 of the Laws of 2020 (enacting Title 2 of Article 14 of the Election Law). The New York State Public Campaign Financing Program (the Program) launched on November 9, 2022. Amendments to Article 14 of the Election Law regarding the Program were enacted in 2025 pursuant to Part OO of Chapter 55 of the Laws of 2025.
As part of the New York State Board of Elections (NYSBOE), the PCFB is charged with the responsibility of administering the Public Campaign Financing Program for candidates running in statewide and state legislative elections. The Program provides a multiple match on small contributions from New York State residents to candidates who opt in, allowing candidates the opportunity to raise competitive amounts based on eligible contributions from constituents.
Commissioners
The PCFB is a bipartisan agency made up of the four existing NYSBOE commissioners plus three newly appointed commissioners (one appointment by the Governor, one joint appointment from the state legislative majority, and one joint appointment from the state legislative minority).
- Barbara Lifton / Chair
- Brian M. Kolb / Vice-Chair
- Keesha Gaskins-Nathan / Commissioner
- Essma Bagnuola / Commissioner
- Henry T. Berger / Commissioner
- Anthony J. Casale / Commissioner
- Peter S. Kosinski / Commissioner
Mission Statement
The Public Campaign Finance Board (PCFB) was created as a bipartisan unit within the State Board of Elections to implement and oversee the New York State Public Campaign Finance Program. The program is designed to foster participation in the democratic process by matching small dollar contributions with public funds.
The PCFB is responsible for developing a program for informing candidates and the public as to the purpose and effect of the Program, including the preparation and dissemination of educational materials, providing compliance counseling and guidance to candidates seeking to participate in Program. The PCFB will publish detailed information about the money raised and spent in Statewide and State legislative elections providing transparency to the use of public funds. The PCFB will also provide oversight and enforcement of program provisions to ensure public funds are utilized responsibly and pursuant to program parameters.