$500K Raised… But Was It Really Grassroots? NY-21 Campaign Raises Questions

A campaign celebration post is now being questioned after federal filings show a different side of the story.

Alright folks, this one’s got people talkin’ all over the Mohawk Valley.

A campaign post from Robert Smullen for NY-21 came out celebratin’ big numbers—sayin’ they pulled in over $500,000 in less than a week, callin’ it “grassroots power in action.”

Now on the surface, that sounds like folks across the district diggin’ into their pockets and backin’ the man.

But here’s where things get a little sideways…

Federal Election Commission filings show that $500,000 was actually listed as a loan from the candidate himself.
Not donations. Not outside support. His own money.

Now before anyone starts yellin’—that part right there?
👉 It’s completely legal. Happens all the time.

But here’s the part folks are questionin’:

If the money mostly came from the candidate…
👉 why is it being talked about like it came from everyday supporters?

That’s where the conversation shifts from numbers… to how it’s being presented.

Some people are sayin:

“Money is money—he’s investing in himself.”

Others are lookin’ at it like:

“Don’t call it grassroots if it ain’t the people fundin’ it.”

And that right there is where the debate is heatin’ up.

No accusations here—just facts on the table.

👉 Campaign says: “$500K raised”
👉 Filing shows: “$500K loan from candidate”

Now it’s up to you to decide what that really means.