Anthony Weiner’s NYC Council Run: A Shocking Twist with Donations from Ex-Wife Huma Abedin and Sister

Former Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner, a figure synonymous with scandal and political downfall, has once again entered the political arena, this time vying for a seat on the New York City Council. His decision to run, his checkered past notwithstanding, has raised eyebrows and reignited memories of the controversies that led to his spectacular fall from grace. Adding another layer of complexity to this already intriguing narrative are campaign finance reports revealing surprising donations from his ex-wife, Huma Abedin, and her sister, Heba Abedin.

Weiner, who previously represented New York’s 9th Congressional District, a position he held from 1998 until his resignation in 2011, is seeking to reclaim a foothold in New York City politics. Prior to his ascent to Congress, Weiner served on the City Council from 1992 to 1998, experience he likely hopes will resonate with voters seeking a seasoned local representative.

However, Weiner’s political ambitions have been repeatedly thwarted by a series of self-inflicted wounds. His downfall began with the infamous "underwear photo" incident, where he inadvertently posted a picture of himself in his underwear on social media. This seemingly isolated incident spiraled into a series of increasingly damaging revelations regarding his online relationships and sexually explicit communications with various women.

The controversy reached a fever pitch when Weiner was charged with transferring obscene material to a minor in May 2017 after sexting a 15-year-old girl. This charge led to a 21-month prison sentence and the requirement to register as a sex offender upon his release. This conviction effectively derailed any prospects of a political comeback, until now.

Weiner’s campaign for City Council marks his latest attempt to rehabilitate his image and re-enter public service. But the path ahead is fraught with obstacles, not least of which is the lingering stigma associated with his past transgressions. The memory of his sexting scandals, his conviction, and the pain he inflicted on those around him remains fresh in the minds of many New Yorkers.

Against this backdrop, the news of donations from Huma Abedin and her sister, Heba Abedin, comes as a significant surprise. Huma Abedin, a longtime aide to Hillary Clinton, endured considerable public scrutiny and personal anguish as a result of Weiner’s actions. She publicly stated in 2021 that the anger over her husband’s sex scandals almost killed her. "I can’t live in that space anymore. I tried that. It almost killed me," she confided in an interview, revealing the profound emotional toll the scandals had taken on her life.

Abedin filed for divorce on the same day Weiner pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison, signaling a definitive end to their marriage. Despite their separation, the former couple has been seen together occasionally, primarily to co-parent their son. In a notable public appearance in 2023, they attended the Inner Circle charity show in Midtown Manhattan.

Moreover, Huma Abedin has since moved on with her personal life, becoming engaged to Alex Soros, chairman of Open Society Foundations and son of billionaire megadonor George Soros. Their wedding is anticipated to take place this summer, further solidifying Abedin’s transition into a new chapter of her life, distinct from her past association with Weiner.

Given the pain and humiliation Abedin endured as a result of Weiner’s actions, her decision to donate $175 to his campaign raises numerous questions. Similarly, Heba Abedin’s donation of $150 adds to the intrigue. It is important to note that while these donations are not particularly large, their significance lies in the symbolic message they convey.

The motivations behind these donations remain unclear. Were they gestures of forgiveness, a desire to support Weiner’s efforts to rebuild his life, or perhaps a reflection of a complex relationship that transcends the scandals of the past? Without direct comment from either Huma or Heba Abedin, these questions remain unanswered, leaving observers to speculate on the rationale behind their surprising financial support.

The timing of Weiner’s renewed political ambitions is also noteworthy. His attempts at a comeback have been consistently met with resistance and public backlash. In 2013, he attempted a mayoral run, but new revelations of explicit photos sent under the pseudonym "Carlos Danger" swiftly derailed his campaign. His reputation suffered irreparable damage, and his political aspirations were once again dashed.

The "Carlos Danger" persona became synonymous with Weiner’s online transgressions. The identity was used to engage in sexting relationships with various women, including Sydney Leathers, who was 22 at the time. Leathers claimed that Weiner described himself as "an argumentative, perpetually horny middle-aged man." This moniker further solidified Weiner’s image as a deeply flawed and unreliable figure.

Another sexting scandal in 2016, involving a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina, led to further legal troubles and ultimately contributed to his indictment and subsequent prison sentence. The investigation into this case also uncovered emails relevant to Hillary Clinton’s classified documents scandal, adding another layer of complexity to the already fraught political landscape of the 2016 election.

Following these events, Weiner checked himself into rehab for sex addiction, signaling an attempt to address the underlying issues that fueled his destructive behavior. However, the damage to his reputation was irreversible, and his political career appeared to be permanently extinguished.

Now, several years after his release from prison, Weiner is attempting to rewrite his narrative and re-enter the political arena. Whether he will be successful in his bid for a City Council seat remains to be seen. His past will undoubtedly be a major obstacle, and the public’s perception of him will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the election.

The donations from Huma Abedin and her sister add an unexpected element to this unfolding story. While their motivations remain shrouded in mystery, their financial support undoubtedly provides Weiner’s campaign with a degree of validation and intrigue.

Ultimately, the success or failure of Weiner’s campaign will depend on his ability to convince voters that he has learned from his mistakes, is genuinely committed to public service, and deserves a second chance. It’s a tall order, and one that will require him to confront his past and demonstrate a genuine commitment to personal and professional rehabilitation.