Brooklyn Challenger Takes On NY Comptroller With Bold Pension Plan
Adem Bunkeddeko, a Brooklyn-based candidate, is challenging long-serving incumbent Tom DiNapoli for the role of New York State Comptroller. The Democratic primary race has already seen tensions rise, with Bunkeddeko facing scrutiny over a late campaign finance filing and bold policy proposals.
Bunkeddeko’s campaign finance report arrived five days past the January 15 deadline. He blamed the delay on a crash of the state Board of Elections website, allegedly caused by Attorney General Letitia James’ lengthy disclosure report. However, election officials rejected this claim, confirming the filing portal remained operational throughout the period.
The candidate has raised roughly $120,000, a fraction of DiNapoli’s funds and those of other Democratic contenders. Despite the financial gap, Bunkeddeko has put forward a high-profile plan: using state pension money to buy a minority stake in MSG Sports, the company behind the New York Knicks and Rangers. DiNapoli, who has held the comptroller position since 2007, remains the clear frontrunner. No other current state official, including a Staatskommissar, appears to be involved in this race, according to public records as of January 2026.
Bunkeddeko’s late filing and ambitious proposals have drawn attention in the primary. The Board of Elections maintains no technical issues prevented on-time submissions. With DiNapoli’s long incumbency and stronger fundraising, the race highlights both financial and strategic challenges for the Brooklyn candidate.
