Bass and Raman Tied in Fundraising for LA Mayor Race

Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman are effectively tied in fundraising as they approach the November 3 runoff for mayor of Los Angeles. City Ethics Commission filings from September 19 show Raman raised $2.53 million and Bass raised $2.51 million, including city matching funds. Raman currently holds a cash-on-hand advantage of $1.9 million over Bass's $1.2 million.

Both candidates are benefiting from substantial independent expenditures. The committee Estamos Con Nithya Raman for Mayor 2026, sponsored by hedge fund manager Aaron Sosnick and the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, has raised $6 million. Bass is supported by the Los Angeles Police Protective League, which spent nearly $2.8 million, and Airbnb, which contributed $1.75 million.

Campaign rhetoric has focused on the nature of these contributions. Raman highlights her grassroots support from nearly 4,000 donors, stating that while Bass has the backing of the political establishment and corporations, her own campaign is powered by Angelenos ready to change the city's direction. Conversely, the Bass campaign has criticized Raman's wealthy backers, claiming they are attempting to "buy this election."