Newark, NJ – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill is facing mounting criticism after campaign finance reports revealed she accepted tens of thousands of dollars in contributions linked to a Chinese businessman with close family ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
Pin Ni, founder and president of Wanxiang America Corporation, reportedly donated a total of $65,800 to support Sherrill’s campaign for governor.
The contributions include $60,000 to the pro-Sherrill super PAC “One Giant Leap” and $5,800 directly to her campaign — the maximum permitted by law for individual donors.
At issue is whether Ni, whose late father-in-law was a senior CCP official, qualifies as an eligible U.S. donor under federal campaign laws that ban contributions from foreign nationals.
CCP family links spark concern
Ni’s father-in-law, Lu Guanqiu, founded the Chinese automotive conglomerate Wanxiang Group and served as a delegate to multiple CCP national congresses. He was posthumously recognized by Beijing in 2021 as a “National Outstanding Communist Party Member” for his loyalty to the party’s agenda and its leader, Xi Jinping.
Critics call donations a ‘national security risk’
Michael Lucci, CEO of the advocacy group State Armor, called the donations “disqualifying,” claiming Ni has “an extensive history of assisting the CCP’s political warfare and influence operations in the U.S.” Lucci argued that Sherrill’s acceptance of the funds undermines public trust, urging candidates to reject money from individuals connected to foreign adversaries.
Questions over citizenship and legality
Federal law permits only U.S. citizens and permanent residents to contribute to political campaigns. While Ni has lived in the United States since the 1990s and leads Wanxiang’s American division, public documents have not verified his citizenship or residency status. Sherrill’s campaign has not commented on whether Ni’s eligibility was confirmed or if the donations will be returned.
Broader concerns over foreign influence
This is not the first time Ni’s political giving has drawn attention. He previously contributed $50,000 to Virginia Democrat Abigail Spanberger’s gubernatorial campaign, prompting similar scrutiny. In New Jersey, the controversy has reignited debate over foreign influence in state and national elections, particularly involving donors with links to the CCP.
Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and current representative for New Jersey’s 11th District, has built her campaign around themes of national security and economic growth. Her team has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the issue, though supporters insist all contributions are reviewed for compliance.
Political observers say the controversy could shape perceptions among voters ahead of November’s election, especially in a state with strong global business ties and a large Asian-American electorate. No formal investigation has been announced, but watchdog groups are calling for one.
Both the Sherrill campaign and Wanxiang America declined to comment.
The fallout is expected to intensify as opponents seize on the controversy to question Sherrill’s judgment and transparency.