Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing renewed scrutiny following the filing of an ethics and campaign finance complaint that questions how her campaign used certain funds. The complaint alleges that nearly $19,000 in campaign money may have been spent on services that were personal in nature rather than tied to legitimate political or campaign-related activities.
The filing was submitted by the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) to both the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and the House Ethics Committee. It centers on a series of payments made in 2025 to Boston-based psychiatrist Dr. Brian W. Boyle. According to campaign finance disclosures, the payments were categorized as “leadership training and consulting.”
However, the complaint argues that these payments may have actually been for psychiatric treatment provided either to Ocasio-Cortez or members of her campaign team. If true, such use of campaign funds could violate federal rules, which prohibit spending campaign money on personal expenses unrelated to official duties or election efforts.
The NLPC specifically questions whether Dr. Boyle’s professional background aligns with the type of services described in the filings. As an interventional psychiatrist specializing in treatments for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder—including advanced therapies such as ketamine treatment—his expertise does not appear to match traditional political consulting or leadership coaching roles.
Paul Kamenar, general counsel for the NLPC, stated that the reported expenditures raise significant compliance concerns. He argued that using campaign funds for what could be considered personal medical services would conflict with both FEC regulations and House ethics standards.
Public records indicate that four separate payments totaling approximately $18,725 were made to Dr. Boyle. Despite this, important details remain unclear, including the exact nature of the services provided, who received them, and whether they were directly connected to campaign operations.
Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
The case will now be reviewed by federal oversight bodies. The FEC is responsible for enforcing campaign finance laws and may impose penalties such as fines or repayment if violations are confirmed. Meanwhile, the House Ethics Committee can investigate and recommend disciplinary action if misconduct is found. The Office of Congressional Conduct may also conduct a preliminary review to determine whether further investigation is necessary.
At this stage, the complaint remains an allegation, and no official findings of wrongdoing have been made.
