Kassay Caught In Campaign Controversy

The conveyor belt of taxpayer money flowing through non-profit organizations to politicians was exposed on Long Island when an October Surprise story broke on state Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay days before the election.

Allegations of pay-to-play were launched by the Stony Brook Democrat’s GOP challenger Will Sussman, who called on state Attorney General Letitia James, who shares the November 3 ballot with Kassay, to investigate.

The New York Post reported that Long Island Youth Development Inc. hosted and promoted an October 3 fundraiser for Kassay after she secured a state grant for the tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

A promotional flyer carrying Kassay’s campaign logo advertised tickets ranging from $50 to $500, linked to her campaign donation page, and touted New York’s campaign matching program.

The nonprofit, headed by Dr. Yanping Yu, urged supporters to attend a reception honoring Kassay’s contributions to the organization and the Asian community.

Federal law prohibits 501(c)(3) charities from supporting political candidates or soliciting campaign contributions. Violations can result in penalties or loss of tax-exempt status.

According to the newspaper, Yu has contributed $2,500 to Kassay’s campaign since September 2025, while Kassay has honored Yu and attended her organizations’ events.

The Post also cited federal filings showing the nonprofit spent $15,034 on fundraising events while raising $13,827 from them.

“Even in Albany, most people know that you don’t give out taxpayer money in exchange for donations to your campaign,” Sussman was quoted.

The South Shore Press did not receive comments from Assemblyman Kassay, the attorney general, or the non-profit.

Kassay, seeking a second term representing the Fourth Assembly District, faces Sussman, also running on the Conservative Line, on November 3.