LA Fundraising Numbers Show Nithya Raman Out-Raising Karen Bass

New fundraising numbers show Nithya Raman out-raising Karen Bass in Los Angeles’ mayoral race, with Raman pulling in $2.53 million in direct contributions and matching funds compared to Bass’ $2.51 million. The two candidates are running neck and neck in a contest that has become a test of whether grassroots funding can beat traditional political money. Raman’s campaign has been built on small donors, and those donors are showing up in the numbers.

Raman’s Cash Advantage

Raman holds more cash on hand, with $1.9 million compared to Bass’ nearly $1.2 million. Both candidates have received at least $1 million each in matching funds through the city’s program, which provides $6 in taxpayer money for every $1 from local supporters. The difference is modest, but it matters in a race where every dollar buys ad space, polling data and staff hours. Raman’s lead in cash on hand gives her room to spend freely without worrying about running dry before Election Day.

The Poll That Matters

A recent poll put Raman ahead of Bass, 39% to 28%. Bass’s team dismissed the result as an outlier, but the numbers show Raman has built a base of small donors. The poll is not the final word, but it is a warning sign for Bass. Raman’s campaign has been built on small donors, and those donors are showing up in the numbers.

Schwarzenegger’s Office

Last week, former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger hosted Raman at his Santa Monica office to meet with a packed room of Hollywood, business and civic leaders. The meeting was a coup for Raman, who now has access to people who might otherwise dismiss her politics. Schwarzenegger has not endorsed Raman, but his decision to host her gave her access to people who might otherwise dismiss her politics. The move shows that Raman’s message has spread beyond her base.

The Endorsement Question

Bass has the backing of the political establishment and corporations, but Raman’s campaign is powered by an extraordinary wave of grassroots support from Angelenos who are ready to change the direction of our city.

“Mayor Bass has the backing of the political establishment and corporations, but our campaign is powered by an extraordinary wave of grassroots support from Angelenos who are ready to change the direction of our city.”

Julie C. Rodriguez, Bass campaign chief strategist, responded with a statement of her own: “The mayor and her entire operation have been hard at work doing everything needed to win,” including paying for ads contrasting Bass’ policies “with Nithya Raman’s paper-thin record and out-of-touch positions.” The two statements frame the race as a clash between two models of politics. Bass runs on experience and endorsements; Raman runs on energy and cash from the ground up.

Outside Spending

Outside groups have spent their own money to support or oppose the candidates. The Western States Regional Council of Carpenters and Aaron Sosnick, a Reno-based hedge fund manager, pooled in $6 million supporting Raman. The Los Angeles Police Protective League, representing officers rank lieutenant and below, and Airbnb have spent at least $4.55 million promoting Bass.

The Money Breakdown

Here is how the spending breaks down:

1. Raman’s total raised: $2.53 million
2. Bass’s total raised: $2.51 million
3. Matching funds for both: at least $1 million each
4. Cash on hand: Raman $1.9 million, Bass nearly $1.2 million
5. Outside spending for Raman: $6 million from carpenters and Sosnick
6. Outside spending for Bass: at least $4.55 million from police and Airbnb

What This Means for the Race

The fundraising picture is a snapshot, not a guarantee. But it tells a story about momentum. Raman is raising more than Bass, holding more cash, and has outside support from the carpenters and Sosnick. Her statement about grassroots power is backed by the numbers. Bass’s team has responded with attack ads, but the race remains close. The numbers paint a picture of a tight contest where Raman has surged in recent weeks. The race is far from over.

Where the paper stands

The paper backs neither candidate by name but notes Raman’s advantage in cash on hand and direct contributions, while also noting both draw heavily on matching funds from the same city program, so the race remains a test of grassroots power against traditional political money rather than a settled judgment on either side.

This is a race between two models of politics, and the numbers show they are evenly matched in total raised funds while Raman holds the edge in cash on hand and small-donor contributions. The paper’s north star—individual freedom, support for small business, and avoiding concentrations of power—does not favor either candidate outright here. The story is about the shape of the fight, not the winner.

What the reader should watch for is whether the grassroots model can actually deliver the votes Raman claims to have rallied. The poll numbers are a warning sign for Bass, but polls are not votes, and the race is far from over.

Source material: “New LA fundraising totals give surprising look at who’s on top in heated mayoral race,” the New York Post.

campaign fundraising · grassroots · Karen Bass · LA mayoral race · Nithya Raman · outside spending