Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Faces Controversy Over Campaign Fund Matching Program
Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under scrutiny following an online ad that disclosed taxpayer dollars would match campaign contributions for her re-election. In the ad, Bass emphasized the importance of immediate donations due to LA’s ‘super match’ program. She highlighted that every eligible donation from city residents is matched at a 6-to-1 ratio. She urged supporters to contribute now, especially since campaign funding had to restart after the primary.
For example, a $5 contribution would result in a total of $35, while a $25 donation would become $175. This raised concerns among critics, questioning the use of taxpayer money for campaign purposes. Roxanne Hoge, chairwoman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, criticized this setup, comparing it to a game controlled by those with power.
Despite criticism, the program is completely legal. Hoge noted that everything is set up within the legal framework, similar to legal election processes in California. She expressed skepticism about how the city’s funds are used, claiming they do not address critical issues like homelessness effectively. Bass’ campaign did not comment on this matter.
Many expressed outrage online over this program, which has been active for mayoral candidates since the 1990s. Author and professor Michael Shellenberger and former Ronald Reagan official David McIntosh questioned its legitimacy, noting the potential for misuse of taxpayer dollars.
Vice President Kamala Harris congratulated Bass upon her swearing-in as mayor in December 2022. However, Los Angeles activist Tony Moon sarcastically remarked on the program’s innovation, questioning its legitimacy and criticising its communist-like characteristics.
The program has evolved since its inception in 1990, with the 6-to-1 match limit implemented in 2019. Qualified candidates must meet certain criteria to participate, including having raised at least 300 times the matchable amount per contributor and organizing public town halls or debates. The maximum contribution eligible for matching is $257, resulting in an increase to $1,799 with taxpayer funds. The total cap for matched donations can exceed $1.5 million during the general election.