Karen Bass Outraises Nithya Raman in First Fundraising Period

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass significantly outperformed her challenger, Councilmember Nithya Raman, in fundraising efforts during the initial period of the general election. Campaign finance reports indicate Bass raised more than $300,000 over Raman.

In June alone, Bass collected over $510,000, which her team claims is the highest amount raised in a month during her reelection campaign. During the same period, Raman gathered slightly over $170,000. The period covers contributions until June 30, with reports filed on Friday.

Bass’ campaign announced she qualified for more than $675,000 in publicly funded matching funds from the city. This brought her June total to over $1.1 million. Raman’s campaign also received substantial matching funds, over $500,000, in this time frame. Bass’ total, including about $576,000 in matching funds, came close to $750,000.

June marked our strongest month of the campaign, proving that Angelenos are fully committed to winning in November, said Mayor Bass.

Bass and Raman led the June 2 mayoral primary, advancing to the November 3 general election runoff. Although Spencer Pratt initially held second place, Raman surpassed him as mail-in ballots were counted. The Associated Press confirmed Raman as the second-place finisher by June 8.

Bass secured the most votes in the primary with approximately 34%, while Raman followed with 29%. Pratt concluded with around 26%.

Raman attributed a significant portion of Bass’ financial backing to vested interests, highlighting support from companies like Airbnb and Douglas Emmett Properties. Raman commented, Corporate landlords and other powerful interests are preserving the status quo, spending record sums. Yet, Los Angeles cannot be bought. Our grassroots initiative, powered by thousands of small donors, will drive the necessary change.

Bass’ backers include celebrities, politicians, and influential business figures. Notable contributions came from director J.J. Abrams and Debra Lee, former chairman and CEO of BET. Other supporters included L.A. City Councilmembers Imelda Padilla and Heather Hutt, with donations of $500 and $100, respectively.

On Raman’s side, leftist supporters and established figures contributed. Rick Cole, a former aide to City Controller Kenneth Mejia, and former City Controller Laura Chick donated to her campaign. Raman also received $100 from Jillian Burgos, an unsuccessful City Council candidate endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America.

Campaign financial resources will prove vital for television and social media advertisements, direct mailers, and other campaign fundamentals. Importantly, funds raised during the primary cannot be applied to general election expenses.

In the primary, Bass amassed over $3.2 million, while Raman brought in slightly under $1 million. Both candidates obtained the maximum matching funds, totaling $1,257,000.

Bass benefited from a longer fundraising duration since announcing her bid in July 2024, whereas Raman joined the race near the February filing deadline. Independent expenditure groups heavily favored Bass, investing over $2.5 million in her support. In contrast, only $1.2 million opposed Raman, with a minimal $88,000 in her favor.

Additional insights were provided by Times staff writer David Zahniser.