Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing backlash over a campaign ad highlighting a city program that can turn a resident’s political donation into a much larger contribution through taxpayer-funded matching funds.
Bass promoted the city’s “super match program” in a campaign video posted online, telling supporters that qualifying donations from Los Angeles residents would be matched six times over by the city.
“Your donation to our campaign right now is more critical than ever before,” Bass said in the ad.
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“Thanks to LA’s super match program, every qualified donation from Los Angeles residents is matched 6-to-1 by the city. But after the primary, we had to start over from scratch, so we need you to rush your matching donation right now to help fuel this campaign.”
Bass explained that a $5 contribution could become a $35 campaign donation, while a $25 contribution could become $175.
The pitch quickly drew criticism from opponents who argued taxpayers should not be helping finance the reelection effort of an incumbent mayor.
“It’s a system they set up to enrich themselves and their friends and get themselves elected,” Roxanne Hoge, chairwoman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, told Fox News Digital.
Critics online also questioned the arrangement, with author Michael Shellenberger calling the system “grotesque” and former Trump administration official Richard Grenell calling it “outrageous.”
But the program itself is not illegal.
Bass is promoting L.A.’s six-to-one public matching funds program — which multiplies qualifying small-dollar donations from city residents into campaign cash.
Critics say taxpayer money shouldn’t be used to boost an incumbent’s reelection bid — arguing the program tilts the playing field in Bass’ favor.
The program is legal under L.A. election rules and has been used by mayoral candidates since the 1990s — Bass is not breaking new ground, just drawing new scrutiny.
The controversy adds another flashpoint to Bass’ reelection campaign — amid broader debates over L.A.’s direction.
Los Angeles has operated public matching funds for mayoral candidates since the 1990s as part of an effort to encourage smaller donations and reduce the influence of large campaign contributors.
Supporters argue the system gives everyday residents more influence in elections. Critics say it forces taxpayers to subsidize political campaigns — including those of incumbents already holding office.
The controversy comes as Bass seeks reelection in a city where voters remain deeply divided over issues including homelessness, public safety and government spending.
They steal from taxpayers
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