Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has significantly outpaced her opponent, Councilmember Nithya Raman, in fundraising for the general election. Recent campaign finance reports reveal Bass raised more than $510,000 in June, marking her most successful month since her campaign began. In comparison, Raman raised over $170,000 in the same period, covering contributions up to June 30.
Bass qualified for over $675,000 in publicly funded matching funds, bringing her total to more than $1.1 million raised in June. Raman received over $500,000 in matching funds within the same timeframe. Bass reported qualifying for approximately $576,000 in matching funds, bringing her total closer to $750,000.
“June was our strongest month of the entire campaign. It shows Angelenos understand the stakes of this election,” Bass stated.
In the June 2 mayoral primary, Bass and Raman finished as the top two candidates, advancing to the general election runoff scheduled for November 3. Although Spencer Pratt initially led the count, Raman ultimately placed second as mail-in ballots were tallied, with the Associated Press confirming her position on June 8. Bass secured first place in the primary, earning roughly 34% of the vote, followed by Raman with 29%, and Pratt with approximately 26%.
Raman criticized that much of Bass’ financial backing comes from vested interests. Bass received support from companies like Airbnb and Douglas Emmett Properties.
“Corporate landlords and other powerful interests are pouring record sums to maintain the status quo,” Raman claimed. “But Los Angeles is not for sale. Our grassroots campaign will continue to work for the change Angelenos want.”
Bass’ fundraising efforts gained support from notable figures including celebrities, politicians, and business leaders. Director J.J. Abrams and former BET chairman Debra Lee each contributed the maximum of $1,800. City Councilmembers Imelda Padilla and Heather Hutt also supported the mayor with donations of $100 and $500, respectively.
Raman’s contributors included both progressive and more established figures. Rick Cole, a former aide to City Controller Kenneth Mejia, and former City Controller Laura Chick, known for her critical stance against the status quo, both supported Raman. Jillian Burgos, a former City Council candidate endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, contributed $100.
The funds raised will be crucial for advertising on TV and social media, as well as for direct mail and other campaign necessities. Candidates are prohibited from using primary-raised funds for general election expenses.
During the primary, Bass raised over $3.2 million whereas Raman gathered just under $1 million. Both received the maximum matching funds of $1,257,000 during this period. Bass benefited from a longer fundraising period, announcing her reelection bid in July 2024. In contrast, Raman entered the race at the deadline in February of this year.
Independent expenditure groups significantly favored Bass, spending over $2.5 million in her support. These groups, which must remain unaffiliated with the campaigns, spent $1.2 million opposing Raman, with only $88,000 supporting her.
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