This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Look it up: Check candidates and elected officials for campaign law violations
Commissioner E. Dotson Wilson and Chair Richard C. Miadich at a California Fair Political Practices Commission meeting on Sept. 15, 2022.
(
Jules Hotz for CalMatters
)
The Fair Political Practices Commission, California’s campaign and ethics watchdog agency, receives thousands of complaints each year and opens hundreds of investigations into elected officials from the local level up to the governor.
Is one of your local elected officials, or a candidate running for office in your area, currently under investigation by the agency? Or were they investigated previously and, if so, what was the outcome? Type in their name below to find out.
One caveat: An investigation does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing. The outcome of an investigation determines whether there was a violation. outcome of the investigation determines whether there was a violation.
A recent CalMatters investigation of commission enforcement data found that:
- 19 of the 305 candidates in California races for state Legislature, U.S. House and U.S. Senate have an open case against them, including an investigation into Congressional candidate Evan Low’s relationship with a policy nonprofit that was opened as a result of CalMatters reporting in 2020.
- Two of the state’s eight constitutional officers are currently under investigation — Gov. Gavin Newsom for late filings and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara for allegations of “laundered campaign contributions” — and both won re-election in 2022 while their cases were still pending.
- Seven of the eight top constitutional officers — all but Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis — have had past violations, ranging from improper disclosures to illegal campaign contributions, according to commission enforcement records.
-
The rule being considered comes as immigration arrests rise at state courts, discouraging victims, witnesses and others from showing up, according to lawyers and advocates. -
California is famous for its slow ballot counting. That’s because of the state’s security fixtures and efforts to ensure every vote is counted. Experts don’t agree on a fix. -
Steyer has spent $132 million of his own money on his California campaign, but he remains in a tight race with less-funded Democrats and Republicans.
Trending on LAist
-
California has cleared an initiative aiming to cancel Measure ULA and similar taxes across the state. But it might not be November’s only “mansion tax” measure. -
Eleven newcomers, every style imaginable and unlimited tastings — all under one roof at L.A. LIVE. -
The issues surround poor bookkeeping and accounting of taxpayer money at the agency — which spent over $800 million in public funds last fiscal year. -
Interim CEO says the public agency is “restructuring” after withdrawal of county funds. -
Eligible California residents have till the end of the month to claim cash made available by the Middle Class Tax Refund. -
Accelerated land movement has closed off what was once a bustling nature preserve that will never be what it once was.
Best of LAist
