Mayor Bass and challenger Raman each raise about $2.5 million in campaign funds

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Set us as preferred Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman were effectively tied in fundraising, the latest campaign finance reports show, with each candidate raising about $2.5 million in contributions and matching funds.Bass has collected about $1.5 million in direct contributions for the Nov.3 runoff campaign compared with $1.1 million for Raman.

But the council member pulled in $1.4 million in city matching funds, compared with $1 million for Bass.That left Raman with $2.53 million in contributions and matching funds compared with $2.51 million for Bass as of Sept.19, the end of the most recent fundraising period.Raman said her campaign has received financial support from nearly 4,000 donors, helping her to obtain “more matching funds than any candidate in city history.”“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,” she said in a statement.Bass’ campaign aides said the mayor has the resources she needs to “run a robust campaign in the homestretch.” They also took aim at some of Raman’s own wealthy backers, who have put big money into outside campaign committees that support her.“They’re trying to buy this election,” said Bass spokesperson Alex Stack.

“We have the support of workers, small businesses and community groups because Raman doesn’t show up for L.A.”The city’s matching fund program allows candidates to receive $6 in public funds for every $1 they receive from local contributors.The program covers up to $257 per qualifying donor.

Raman was in a stronger position heading into the campaign’s final weeks, reporting about $1.9 million in cash on hand compared with nearly $1.2 million for...