The Democratic candidate to be the next governor of New Jersey is under mounting scrutiny over her ties to China, with some calling the troubling connection "disqualifying."

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) has received over $60,000 in donations from a businessman tied to China's communist elite, Pin Ni, the founder of Wanxiang America Corporation.

As reported by the New York Post, Ni sent two checks to One Giant Leap super PAC, which is supporting Sherrill's campaign, totaling $60,000. Ni also sent the maximum allowable amount for individual donors, $5,800, to Sherill's campaign in June.

China scandal explodes

The legality of the donations is unclear. Only American citizens or green card holders can contribute to political campaigns in the U.S.

Ni reportedly has a Social Security number, but his immigration status is not clear, the Post noted.

Sherill's receipt of the funds comes despite China hawks flagging Ni as a communist party influencer.

His company is part of the Wanxiang Group, a multinational auto parts conglomerate that was founded by his father-in-law Lu Guanqiu, an influential communist party member and billionaire.

Praise from Xi Jinping

No less an authority than Chinese president Xi Jinping praised Guanqiu as a loyal communist, Fox News Digital notes. In a 2021 press release, the dictator said Guanqiu "always actively does what our Party committees and governments at all levels advocate."

Michael Lucci, founder and CEO of State Armor, an anti-communist nonprofit group, called the donations "disqualifying" for Sherrill's campaign.

“The donor, Pin Ni, has an extensive history of assisting the CCP’s political warfare and influence operations upon the U.S., and of generally aligning with and carrying out party commands,” Lucci said.

Close race gets personal

Republican hopes of an upset in Democrat-run New Jersey are surging, with polls showing Sherill in a dead heat with Republican Jack Ciattarelli.

Adding to the left's anxiety, Sherrill recently admitted to helping cover up the largest cheating scandal in the history of the Naval Academy, which prevented her from walking with her graduating class. Sherill has placed her military background front and center throughout her campaign.

During their vicious, final debate, Sherrill blamed Ciattarelli for thousands of overdose deaths for advocating opioids through his medical publishing company, which he has since sold. Ciattarelli has threatened to sue, calling the attack defamatory.

The Democratic candidate in Virginia's governor race, Abigail Spanberger, also received donations from Ni, the Post reported. But Ni has donated to Republicans too, cutting a $6,000 check to the Republican National Committee in August.