The Jerry Larsen for Supervisor campaign committee gave back an undisclosed sum of money to donors this week, after the Suffolk County Democratic Committee accused the campaign on Feb. 4 of accepting donations in excess of what is allowed by law.
“After a thorough review with compliance counsel, our campaign identified certain contributions that required adjustment under New York State election law,” Mr. Larsen said by text.
“Those corrections have been made in full. We take compliance seriously. When questions arise, you review the facts, make necessary corrections, and ensure everything is handled properly,” he continued. “That is exactly what we have done. Leadership is not about pretending issues never arise. It is about addressing them directly, taking responsibility, and moving forward with confidence. That is how I have led throughout my 40 years in public service, and it is how I will continue to lead.”
The campaign would not disclose how many donations exceeded legal limits, how many donors received refunds, or what amount of money was returned; however, those numbers should be reflected on subsequent or amended filings with the New York State Board of Elections.
“I have no comment on the illegal contributions received by my opponent other than to say I encourage him to be fully transparent about the mistakes his campaign has made and release the amount he illegally received,” Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said in a text. “Our voters deserve all the facts.” Mr. Larsen is running a primary campaign against Ms. Burke-Gonzalez for the Democratic nomination.
In the Feb. 4 letter, Rich Schaffer, the chairman of the Suffolk County Democratic Committee, gave Mr. Larsen’s campaign a week to return $62,450 to 37 donors he said had contributed more than the limit.
According to the Suffolk County Board of Elections 2025 Contribution Limitations Index, in the Town of East Hampton, the maximum contribution that can be made in the town supervisor primary race is $1,000 per year. Mr. Larsen’s campaign had accepted 14 separate $5,000 donations from corporations for the primary race. Other individuals also contributed over the $1,000 maximum.
The Suffolk County Democratic Committee had not responded to a request for comment by Tuesday afternoon.
Seeking to put the campaign contribution mistake behind him this week, Mr. Larsen endeavored to concentrate his attention on the primary, only four months away.
“Now our focus returns where it belongs, on the future of East Hampton, responsible fiscal management, and delivering honest, effective leadership for our community. I look forward to a spirited and substantive primary on June 23.”
