Los Angeles Mayoral Fundraising: Bass vs. Raman

Fundraising Results in the General Election

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has significantly outpaced her competitor, Councilmember Nithya Raman, in the fundraising efforts during the general election period. Campaign finance reports reveal Bass raised over $510,000 in June, marking the highest single month fundraising achievement in her reelection campaign. In contrast, Raman collected just over $170,000 within the same timeframe, covering contributions until June 30.

Moreover, Mayor Bass secured more than $675,000 in publicly funded matching funds, elevating her total June fundraising to over $1.1 million. While Raman’s campaign benefited from more than $500,000 in matching funds, Bass qualified for approximately $576,000 in matching funds, bringing her total for the period to just under $750,000.

Primary Election Outcomes

Both Bass and Raman emerged as the leading vote-getters in the city’s June 2 mayoral primary, proceeding to the general election runoff on November 3. Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt initially held second place on election night; however, Raman surpassed Pratt as mail-in ballots were counted. Bass claimed first place in the primary with around 34% of the vote, followed by Raman who secured second place with 29%, leaving Pratt with approximately 26%.

Campaign Statements and Support

Mayor Bass has publicly attributed their strong fundraising month to the high stakes of the election, suggesting that voters are deeply engaged in the November race.

In her statement, Raman criticized Bass’ financial backing, claiming it largely comes from vested interests such as corporate landlords. Raman lamented that these entities contributed significantly through independent expenditures to support Bass, while asserting the city’s populace was not for sale, advocating for her campaign fueled by grassroots small-dollar donations.

Donor Contributions

Bass has received backing from notable celebrities and business figures. J.J. Abrams contributed the maximum allowable amount of $1,800, alongside Debra Lee, formerly of BET. City Council members Imelda Padilla and Heather Hutt also made donations, albeit smaller amounts of $500 and $100 respectively.

Conversely, Raman garners support from more progressive elements within the city. Rick Cole, a Pasadena council member, contributed the maximum amount, along with former City Controller Laura Chick, known for her critiques of previous administration practices. Raman collected $100 from Jillian Burgos, who ran for City Council with endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America.

Fund Allocation and Campaign Strategies

Funds raised during this period are essential for financing advertising on TV, social media, direct mailers, and other campaign necessities. Note that candidates cannot allocate primary-raised funds to general election expenditures.

In the primary, Bass raised over $3.2 million compared to Raman who collected slightly less than $1 million. Both candidates received the maximum matching funds of $1,257,000. Bass announced her intention to run for reelection in July 2024, which afforded her more time for fundraising, whereas Raman initiated her campaign in February 2024.

Independent expenditure groups, legally separate from the campaigns, substantially favored Bass with $2.5 million spent in her support, and $1.2 million directed to opposing Raman. Raman’s campaign saw only $88,000 from such groups in support.