Bass and Raman locked in a $2.5 million fundraising tie ahead of runoff

The latest campaign finance filings show Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman virtually tied, each with about $2.5 million in contributions and city matching funds as of the September 19 reporting deadline. Bass’s cash consists of $1.5 million in direct contributions and $1 million in matching funds, whereas Raman raised $1.1 million directly and secured $1.4 million from the city’s matching program, giving her a slight cash-on-hand edge of roughly $1.9 million to Bass’s $1.2 million.

Raman highlighted the breadth of her grassroots base, noting donations from nearly 4,000 individuals and a historic level of matching money. Meanwhile, large independent spenders have entered the fray: the Estamos Con Nithya for Mayor 2026 committee, funded half by hedge-fund manager Aaron Sosnick and half by the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, has spent $6 million on ads and outreach. Pro-Bass backers include the Los Angeles Police Protective League, which has contributed nearly $2.8 million, and Airbnb, which donated $1.75 million and signaled further support.