New LA fundraising totals give surprising look at who’s on top in heated mayoral race

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman‘s recent surge in the race against Karen Bass is making the contest a tight one — as it’s revealed the far-left socialist has out-raised the incumbent with only weeks to go before the election.

According to the latest filings, Bass has raked in about $2.51 million in direct contributions and matching funds, with Raman raising slightly more at $2.53 million.

Both have taken in at least $1 million in matching funds as part of their total hauls. The city’s matching fund program provides candidates with $6 in taxpayer money for every $1 they receive from local supporters.

Raman actually has more cash on hand, with $1.9 million compared with Bass’ nearly $1.2 million, per financial records.

The numbers come as Raman makes strides in her chances of unseating Bass. A recent poll showed the radical city councilmember leading the incumbent 39% to 28%, a survey Bass’s team dismissed as an outlier.

Last week, former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger invited Raman to meet with his inner circle, hosting her at his Santa Monica office to talk with a packed room of Hollywood, business and civic leaders.

Schwarzenegger has not endorsed Raman, but his decision to host her gave the candidate access to people who might otherwise dismiss her politics.

Both Raman and Bass are trumpeting their money totals as a sign of strength.

“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,” Raman said in a statement Friday.

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“The mayor and her entire operation have been hard at work doing everything needed to win,” Bass campaign chief strategist Julie C. Rodriguez said in a statement, including paying for ads to contrast the mayor’s policies “with Nithya Raman’s paper-thin record and out-of-touch positions.”

Outside groups are also picking sides and spending their own money to support or oppose either of the two Democrats.

Raman has picked up support from the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters and Aaron Sosnick, a Reno-based hedge fund manager, both pooling in a total of $6 million.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing the city’s officers rank lieutenant and below, and Airbnb have spent to promote Bass at least $4.55 million.