California GOP Leader Faces Dual Ethics Probes After Backing Controversial Tax Increase

Republican Assembly minority leader Heath Flora voted alongside Democrats on Senate Bill 762, enabling 13 jurisdictions to raise local sales taxes beyond the longstanding 2% cap, igniting anger among California Republicans. In the wake of that vote, the Fair Political Practices Commission launched two investigations: one into over $1.15 million in behested payments made on his behalf since May 2023, and another into possible campaign-fund misuse, underscored by numerous high-priced "district meetings" at Chargins’ Bar & Grill in East Sacramento.

Stanislaus County Republican Party chairman Joel Campos condemned Flora’s actions after the lawmaker earned only 30.6% in the June primary and received no party endorsements. Additional criticism references an alleged affair, missed child-support payments, and frequent drinking while conducting official business. Sources say his position as GOP minority leader is precarious, with the caucus questioning his ability to shape Republican strategy. Flora has not responded to requests for comment.