Karen Bass Faces Criticism Over Campaign Contributions Matched by Taxpayer Dollars

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under scrutiny following an online ad highlighting that donations from her re-election supporters are matched by taxpayer funds.

In the video shared on her campaign’s social media, Bass explained the matching funds program. “Your donation is critical,” she stated, emphasizing Los Angeles’ super match program. Each contribution from local residents receives a 6-to-1 match from the city.

Bass noted that donations from $5 to $25 can increase significantly under this system.

It’s a system they set up to enrich themselves and their friends and get themselves elected, said Roxanne Hoge, chairwoman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County.

Although legal, some consider the system self-serving.

Since the 1990s, Los Angeles mayoral candidates have utilized the matching program. The current 6-to-1 match began in 2019. Participating candidates must meet specific criteria, including raising funds from at least 100 local donors and hosting public forums.

The program caps matched donations at over $1.5 million during the general election. Critics argue that taxpayer contributions should not fund political campaigns, calling the situation “outrageous.”