Rob Bonta ‘looking into’ influencers promoting gubernatorial candidates
california Attorney General Rob Bonta says his office is reviewing complaints about whether some candidates for governor are paying social media influencers to endorse them without proper disclosure. In commenting on online influencers’ failure to clearly state why they’re supporting particular candidates-or whether they were paid-Bonta said campaign disclosure issues fall mainly under the jurisdiction of the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), which enforces campaign finance and political ethics rules.
Bonta’s remarks come amid allegations involving billionaire gubernatorial candidate tom Steyer, who has been accused of running influencer posts without clearly disclosing sponsorship requirements under a 2023 California law. The law requires online creators to disclose when political campaigns pay them for endorsements or favorable content. Reports say Steyer’s campaign spent thousands on influencer content,and the lack of disclosures prompted FPPC complaints and an investigation. Another candidate, Xavier Becerra, has faced similar accusations but said he did not pay influencers and that any support was “organic.” Bonta did not indicate whether his office received complaints tied to influencers in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office is “looking into” whether candidates running for governor are paying internet personalities to endorse them, following multiple complaints.
In an interview with KCRA 3 released Monday, Bonta was asked about online influencers’ lack of disclosure about why they are choosing to endorse certain gubernatorial candidates and whether they were paid to do so.
Recommended Stories
Bonta said his office has received “some complaints” on the matter, adding that he plans to review them to determine if action should be taken.
However, Bonta noted that complaints related to campaign disclosures fall under the jurisdiction of the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
“This is what they do, in campaigns and for political expenditures, they make sure that all the rules are being followed, disclosures are made, reporting is done right and accurately,” Bonta said. “So I think that they have the lead role here.”
The FPPC is an independent state agency that enforces campaign finance, lobbying, conflict-of-interest, and political ethics laws for public officials, candidates, and committees.
Bonta’s comments come as billionaire gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer faces allegations that influencers paid by his campaign, including Isaiah “Zayy Dante” Washington, failed to clearly disclose sponsored political posts as required under California law.
In 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed a law requiring online creators to disclose when they are paid by political campaigns to post endorsements or favorable content. The rules were designed to bring transparency to political advertising as campaigns began using TikTok, Instagram, and meme accounts to reach young voters.
Steyer’s campaign reportedly spent thousands of dollars on influencer content to boost his campaign, part of a social media strategy aimed at introducing the former hedge fund manager and climate activist to voters.
But several creators promoting Steyer allegedly omitted disclosures indicating they had been compensated, triggering complaints to the FPPC, which launched an investigation into the candidate’s spending.
Steyer’s top competitor, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, has also been accused of benefitting from similarly undisclosed influencer promotions, though Becerra said he has not paid influencers for promotion and that the support is “organic.”
SPENCER PRATT’S VIRAL MAYORAL RUN GAINS TRACTION IN LOS ANGELES DESPITE INCONSISTENCIES IN MESSAGING
Bonta did not specify whether complaints were made about influencers promoting candidates in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Bonta’s office for comment.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
