The Airbnb-sponsored Committee to Expand the Middle Class is one of the biggest spenders in local elections this year, contributing about 30 times more than it has in all previous Los Angeles elections combined since 2018. The short-term rental giant has upped its political spending across the country since last year, pouring $7.1 million so far into this year’s L.A. mayor’s race and three other local contests as of mid-October.
Airbnb’s contributions to local independent expenditure committees support Mayor Karen Bass’ reelection campaign and those of three other local candidates: John McKinney for city attorney and City Council candidates Tim Gaspar in District 3 in the west San Fernando Valley and Jose Ugarte in District 9 in South Los Angeles. The company also backed incumbent Traci Park in City Council District 11 on L.A.’s Westside, who won outright in the June primary.
